Water Damage Do’s and Don’ts

DO NOT

• Leave wet fabrics in place; dry them as soon as possible.
• Leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors.
• Use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Use televisions or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet.
• Leave area rugs and Oriental rugs on a wet floor.

DO

• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. Wipe as much excess water as possible from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for drying (check for bleeding of color).
• Place aluminum foil, china saucers or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in the summer and open windows to speed drying in the winter.
• Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpeting.
• Open drawers and cabinet doors for complete drying (do not force open).
• Remove valuable paintings and art.
• Open suitcases and luggage to dry, place in sunlight if possible.
• Punch small holes in sagging ceilings to relieve trapped water, however, don’t forget to place pans underneath to collect the dripping water. If possible, keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.