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Things
to do after a Water Emergency
There are some
steps you can take before we arrive. However, always adhere to the
recommendations of your fire department or other responding agencies as
your health and safety are more important than your possessions.
Please
do not take any unnecessary risks, but time is critical in minimizing
additional damages.
*
Contact a qualified insurance restoration contractor. Keep in
mind that many companies say that they are qualified in water damage
restoration yet do not possess the appropriate training or equipment.
*
Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Most
companies have a toll-free call center number or you can report the
loss to your agent.
* If
safe to do so, locate the source of the water and turn off any
supply valves to stop the flow of water. If you must turn off your
water, take steps to prevent your plumbing and/or heating supply pipes
from freezing.
*
Remember, water is an excellent conductor of electricity, and the
risk of shock is imminent. Do not allow wet materials or surfaces to
come in contact with any electrical source. Always shut off the power
if there is any risk.
* Keep
a listing of anything you have discarded and receipts for any
expenses you incur in protecting your property.
* If
you must relocate, even temporarily, give your insurance company a
phone number where you can be reached.
How can you
help?
You’ve
suffered a water loss, and you’ve done the right thing by
trying
to find out more information on how to deal with it. Here are some
important things for you to know, so you can face your water loss more
confidently:
*
Water Source: If possible, stop the source of the water. Turn off
your outside water main, or call a plumber or other qualified tradesman
to stop the source of water flow. Contact your local utilities
department if you can’t find how to turn off the water main.
*
Electrical: Disconnect all power to affected areas. Do not operate
your TVs or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets
or floors (especially if concrete). Do not use your household vacuum
cleaner to remove water.
* Air
Conditioning:
Turn on your air conditioner (no lower than 72
degrees) to speed drying in the summer, or more humid regions.
*
Ceilings: Punch small holes in sagging ceilings to relieve trapped
water. Place a plastic (not metal) bucket under the leak. Do not turn
on ceiling light fixtures or fan if the ceiling is wet.
*
Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible by squeegee,
mopping or blotting.
*
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: Move wet items to a dry place. Do not allow
draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting. Open and
empty drawers and cabinets for complete drying. Hang furs and leather
goods to dry separately at room temperature.
*
Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpeting. Place plastic
wrap or plastic bags beneath the legs of larger furniture. Wipe any
residual water off of the furniture.
* Art
Objects/Paintings: Remove valuable painting and pictures from wet
walls. Transfer all objects to a dry safe place.
*
Upholstery: Remove and prop up wet upholstered cushions for even
drying. Check for possible bleeding of colors.
*
Luggage: Open suitcases and luggage to dry in sunlight if possible.
*
Books/Magazines: Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items
on wet carpets or floors. High value books should be given to a
professional for proper drying and restoration as soon as
possible.
The
best way to deal with water damage is through prevention.
* Replace washing
machine supply
lines annually. Replace rubber hoses
with stainless steel braided hoses.
*
Periodically inspect your ice maker supply line behind your
refrigerator. If the line is brittle or leaking, have it replaced.
*
Inspect your water heater for corrosion and leakage.
*
Clean out your gutters at least once a year. Properly flowing gutters
and downspouts help prevent water backing up under shingles.
*
Inspect your roof annually for leaks. Replace missing shingles or
tiles. Check flashing installed between surfaces, including chimneys,
vent stacks or dormers; they are often the most common sites for leaks.
* In
colder climates, make sure you have plenty of attic insulation and
plenty of attic ventilation. These help prevent the formation of ice
dams which can cause water to back up under roof shingles.
*
Always remove hoses from any outdoor spigots. Freeze-proof spigots
only work when hoses are removed.
*
Inspect plumbed rooms, such as the kitchen, laundry room and bath for
leaks or signs of leakage in
water supply and waste lines.
* Make
sure that shower walls and floor are structurally sound and that
grout and joints are well sealed and in good condition.
*
Inspect commode water supply lines for leakage. Check to make sure
the fixture is properly secured to the floor and does not shift or rock
when weight is applied.
*
Inspect central air-conditioning systems annually for proper
operation and drainage.
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