It is important to be well informed in the event of a water damage. Swift action and a little knowledge can help you make informed decisions.

Do:

• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs to avoid carpet staining and/or furniture damage.
• Remove personal property from floors.
• Transport computers to a dry environment, remove cover and blow dry with low air pressure.
• Do your best to remove standing water using a shop vac or towels.
• Remove saturated rugs and/or carpet when hard wood floors are at risk.
• Turn on air conditioning or open windows to ventilate the area. This will prevent humidity from building up in the room and causing "secondary damage".
• Avoid contact with water contaminated with sewage or resulting from flood damage (water entering from the outside environment). Sewage and flood damages are considered category 3 water damage. High levels of bacteria, pesticides and/or other contamination can result in serious health effects.

Do not:

• Never use heat to dry closed building interiors without proper dehumidification. Heat could cause high humidity resulting in condensation on the walls, ceilings and contents. Build up of condensation can result in what is known as "secondary damage".
• To avoid electric shock, never operate electrical appliances or equipment while standing on wet carpets or floors. Also, beware of wires and extension cords that could be in contact with the floor. Serious injury or even electrocution may result.
• Do not go into rooms where ceilings are sagging and unstable.