When Water Damage Strikes

4/25/2018 (Permalink)

The first 24 hours following a water loss are the most important. Below are emergency water damage tips to follow:

• Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents, and other sensitive valuables to a dry place.
• Don't enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers, or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.
• Don't use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water; this could cause electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

For more information on recovering from water damage, call SERVPRO of Joliet, 815-436-5735 and make it "Like it never even happened."