What To Do Until Help Arrives: When Water Damage Occurs

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

This water damage occurred during a Florida thunderstorm and was caused by heavy rainfall, which flooded the entire home.

Central Florida has been known to be bombarded with thunderstorms for several weeks at a time. Lightning and heavy rainfall have caused many of our Florida homes extensive roof and water damages. SERVPRO of Osceola County, have seen increases of houses affected through out the summer months, and some of the damages have been catastrophic. These emergency tips will assist homeowners and their families in taking the proper actions until our professional technicians arrive. By following these Do's and Don'ts, we can help to reduce the amount of damage and increase the chances of a successful restoration.

Water Damage from Clean Water (Rain Water)

DO:

• Find the source of the water if possible and stop or block the water from entering the home.
• Turn off the circuit breakers in the wet areas of the house. Be sure the access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock before doing so.
• Remove as much 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 even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirts off damp floors.
• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors.
• Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

DON’T:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards 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 carpets or floors to cause staining.
• Leave Oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall-to-wall carpets to cause staining.
• 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 off ceiling fixtures if it is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.