Water Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

The first thing you will need to do after a flood is make sure that it’s safe for you and your family

DON’T enter your home or business if you see major structural damage
DON’T walk on sagging floors or floors above sagging ceilings
DON’T drain a flooded basement too quickly, because rapid changes in pressure could cause the foundation to collapse
DON’T do structural or electrical work yourself
DON’T connect generators to the home’s power system, but plug in fans and appliances directly
DON’T use generators, grills, camp stoves or charcoal inside homes or within closed areas

Once these major issues are handled, you can start on the cleanup and restoration itself

DO wear protective clothing, boots and rubber gloves
DO wash your hands often with soap and water
DO remove all wall coverings and throw them out
DO remove drywall, finished ceilings and most insulation that’s been in contact with flood water
DO throw out permeable materials such as padded furniture and foam rubber
DO throw out all exposed food, beverages and medicine, including canned goods
DO disinfect dishes and other items with soap and hot water, but throw out all soft plastics
DO clean hard surfaces with hot water and soap or detergent
DO place aluminum foil or wood blocks in between wet floors and the legs of furniture that can’t be moved
DO make a list of the damage and take photos or videos

Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
Gather loose items from floors.

Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
Don't use television or other household appliances.
Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.