After water damage occurs, it is only natural to want to react immediately and start demolition of the structure. Timely action can be a great help, but incorrect action can jeopardize or impede satisfactory restoration. The following common sense actions can help minimize long-term water damage.


DO . . .

• Stop source of water, if possible:
• Turn off outside water main
• Call Fire Department if owner cannot locate or is unable to turn off water main
  
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping or blotting
• Mop dry any wet wood floors
• Move lighter furniture off wet flooring
• Place plastic wrap, plastic bags, aluminum foil, saucers or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet flooring
• Wipe water from wood furnishings after removing tabletop items
• Remove oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpeting
• Remove books, magazines or other colored items from wet carpets and floors.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying
• Remove valuable oil paintings and art objects to a safe place
• Remove wet personal items to a dry place
• Open suitcases and luggage to dry, in sunlight if possible
• Open and empty wet drawers and cabinets for complete drying
• Punch small holes in sagging ceilings to relieve trapped water and place pans or buckets underneath
• Turn on air-conditioning for maximum drying in the summer, open windows temporarily to speed drying in winter

DO NOT . . .

• Leave wet fabrics in place; dry as soon as possible.  Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature
• Allow drapes or sheers to rest on wet carpet
• Lift tacked down carpet without professional help
• Use your household vacuum to remove water
• Use TVs or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpet or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water