Water Damage Restoration Preparation

Ok you now have suffered from water damages, so far you are on the right track by reading up in order to out more on how to deal with this. Here are a few basic, yet important obstacles you should think about. Taking a second to think this through helps to minimize even more losses:

• Water Source: If at all possible, stop the cause of the water. Turn off your outside water main, or possibly phone a plumber to stop the cause of water flow. Get hold of your local utilities department if you are unable to shut off the water main.
• Electrical: Disconnect all of the power to affected areas. Never operate your Televisions or any other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or flooring (particularly if concrete). Avoid the use of your household carpet cleaner to eliminate water.
• Air Conditioning: Turn on your home air conditioning unit and set it nothing lower than 72 degrees as this will help to speed up the drying time, especially during the summer or more humid regions.
• Ceilings: Punch small holes in sagging ceilings in order to relieve built up water trapped within. Place a plastic bucket directly under the leaking area. It is important to use plastic and not metal buckets as they may cause further damages and also remember to not turn on ceiling light fixtures or fan if the ceiling is wet.
• Floors: Remove as much standing water as you possible can. You may do this through making use of a squeegee, or by mopping and blotting water filled areas.
• Carpeting: Blot wet carpet with clean white towels. Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet. Place a fan so air flows over the carpet, speeding the drying process.
• Clothing/Fabrics: Transfer wet items to a dry location that will not damage anything further while they dry out. Do not allow curtains or draperies to remain within contact with wet flooring or carpeting. Open and empty compartments and cabinets for complete drying out. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
• Furniture: Move lighter weight pieces off of the carpeting. Place plastic-type wrap beneath the legs of more substantial furniture. Clean any left over water off the furniture.
• Art Objects/Paintings: Remove important painting and pictures from any wet or damp walls. Relocate all items to a dry safe place.
• Upholstery: Eliminate and prop up moisten upholstered soft cushions for even the drying out process. Look for possible bleeding of colors.
• Luggage: Open up suitcases and suitcases in order to dry out properly. Sunlight is best if possible.
• Books/Magazines: Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items upon wet carpets and rugs. High value books should be given to a professional for proper drying and restoration as soon as possible.