Water Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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Home Water Damage: What to Do First



After any home emergency, the safety of your family is most important. In the case of water damage, the actions below are some things you can do while waiting for assistance. However, it’s best to do only those things you know you can do safely. Once we arrive, we’ll help you assess the situation further and take action to prevent additional damage to your property.

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

2. Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the home when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.

3.  Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting

4. Remove & prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying, do not put cuchion covers in washing machine.

5. Place aluminum foil/wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting. 

6. Move any paintings, art, objects, computers, documents or other sensitive valuables to a dry place.

7. Hang furs and leather goods separately at room temperature. 

8. Don't enter affected areas if electrical outlets. switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards!

9. Don't use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water; this could cause electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.

10. Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or eneter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Have A  Water Damage Emergency? Call (910) 326-1344

What To Do After Flooding

  • 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.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

  • 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.