Water Damage Tips

9/21/2017 (Permalink)

Here are some tips for clean water and contaminated water before help arrives.

Clean Water

• Shut off water source if possible.
• Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electric shock hazards may exist.
• Turn off circuit breakers for those areas that are wet if access is safe from potential electric shock.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting in rooms without standing water.
• Protect carpet from staining by placing foil, plastic wrap beneath furniture legs.
• Remove cushions and prop to allow for even drying.
• Move paintings, documents, or other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture.
• Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines or any other colored item on the floor as these items may cause staining.
• Do not use a household vacuum cleaner.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures (if ceiling is wet).
• Do not enter rooms where ceiling is sagging from retained water.

Contaminated Water

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.
• Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items.
• Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.
• Do not turn on the HVAC system because there is a possibility to spread contaminated air.
• Do not use household fans to dry the structure because the air flow could cause contaminates to spread.
• Throw away any food and/or products for personal hygiene if exposed to the contaminated area.

Call SERVPRO of Gurnee and SERVPRO of Libertyville/N. Chicago City/Lake Bluff at 847-557-1080 for an inspection for your water damage.