WHAT TO DO

First steps for building occupants include:

1. Call your water damage restoration professional promptly. Don’t Wait!
2. If possible, locate and stop the source of water.
3. Consider surfaces touched by sewer water to be toxic and avoid contact.
4. Don’t delay, the clean up and drying process should be undertaken promptly to avoid bacteria and mold growth.
5. Remove furniture, art, area rugs and personal items to dry locations if possible and if not a safety hazard.
6. Place wood blocks, plastic wrap or aluminum foil under legs of remaining furniture. If possible, wipe dry.
7. Remove as much water as possible from the affected area and contents by wiping and blotting. DO NOT use electrical appliances while on wet carpets or floors!
8. In cold weather, leave the heat on. In hot weather, use central air conditioning.
9. Open furniture drawers, closet doors or luggage to help drying.
10. Document damage with notes and pictures.

Be sure to address the water problem immediately. Waiting for the water to recede or to dry out eventually, will likely be more costly in the long run.

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Water damage may occur from various sources where contamination is categorized by levels according to the water source.

Category 1 “Clean Water” – Drinkable or non-contaminate water source such as broken plumbing supply lines, tub or sink overflow.

Category 2 “Gray Water” – Contains chemicals & pollutants which can cause sickness & carry nutrients for microorganisms from sources such as washing machine or dishwasher overflow, broken fish aquariums, punctured water beds or broken toilet tanks.

Category 3 “Black Water” - Grossly unsanitary and contains pathogenic agents & organic matter from sources such as toilet overflow, sewage, sea water, rising river or ground water caused by flooding.

The longer you wait to call a professional a category 1, Can turn into a Category 2 or 3 in 24 to 48 hours

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