Water Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

HELP - I have a Water Damage! - What do I do now?

First:

1. Turn off the water

2. Call a plumber

3. Call SERVPRO of Canton or SERVPRO of Washtenaw County to schedule their trained technicians to begin mitigation ASAP

4. Call your insurance company

Then:

5. Make sure it is safe to stay in your home

a. Check for any electrical or "slip and fall" hazards

6. Do only the tasks that are safe for you to do

a. Remember wet materials are heavy

7. Remove excess water with a mop or towels

a. Don't use the house vacuum to remove water

8. Remove items from carpeting

a. Colored rugs and magazines can bleed into the carpets

b. Place aluminum foil around or block under the furniture legs to prevent damage and bleeding

9. Move valuables to a safe place

10. Don't use any affected appliances or electronics

11. Don't turn on any ceiling fixtures if the ceilings are wet

a. Stay out of room where the ceilings are sagging

12. Turn on the air conditioning during the summer for maximum drying

Rely on the professionals and trust that SERVPRO of Canton and SERVPRO of Washtenaw County will make it "Like it never even happened".

Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
Gather loose items from floors.

Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
Don't use television or other household appliances.
Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.