Water Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

Water Tips  |  Fire Tips   |  Biohazard Tips   |  Mold Tips

While you wait for the professionals to come and clean up your water damage mess for you, there are a few things you can do to help keep the damage from spreading. Your main focus should be on safety first, so always use your best judgment when considering these tips.

• Shut off the water. If there is water rushing into your home from a burst pipe, shutting off the water to your home can help drastically to stop the flow.
• Shut off the electricity. If the water in your home or business gets high enough to rush into your electrical sockets or appliances, it can carry the electrical current, making it very dangerous.
• Evacuate your family and pets to a safe and dry area while you wait for the pros.

Have A  Water Damage Emergency? Call (570) 546-3500

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.