Tips for Staying Safe after a Water Damage Event

10/17/2021 (Permalink)

Tips for Staying Safe after a Water Damage Event

When your home or business has water or flood damage, consider taking the following precautions to minimize danger or prevent secondary damage while waiting for SERVPRO of Coppell and West Addison to arrive for your home or business.

Water Damage From Clean Water

1. Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so.
2. Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electrical shock.  Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist.
3. Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.  Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
4. Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow more even drying.
5. Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture to a safe place.
6. Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors as they may cause staining.
7. Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electrical shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner.
8. Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Water Damage from Contaminated Water

1. Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so.
2. Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electrical shock.  Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist.
3. Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.  Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items.
4. Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.
5. Do not turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
6. Do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow could spread contaminants.
7. Discard any food and/ or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

When strong storms come through our aera, a pipe bursts, or toilet overflows contact SERVPRO of Coppell and West Addison. At the first sign of water damage call (972) 233-8400.  We are always here to help!