How to Prevent Water Damage

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

Although water losses can occur despite our best preparation efforts, there is a lot that home owners can do to try to prevent it as well as lessen the damage. 

We have a few tips for if you find yourself in a water damage situation:

• Shut off the water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.

• Turn off any circuit breakers for the wet areas of the property once access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.

• Remove as much of the excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.

• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.

• Remove and prop-up wet upholstery cushions for drying.

• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.

• Remove any art, technology, important documents, and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture to a safe, dry area.

• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors.

• Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

We also have a few tips for what NOT to do:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazard may exist.

• Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.

• Leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors to cause staining.

• Leave Oriental rugs or other colored rugs on any wet surface- may cause colors to bleed and stain.

• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.

• Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.

• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retaining water.

If you or someone you know finds themselves in a water loss situation, call SERVPRO of Queen Anne's, Kent & Caroline Counties to help remediate the problem! 443-737-8776