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Water Emergency Guide |
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Do's · Stay out of rooms where ceilings sag from retained water. · Ventilate wet areas. Turn on air conditioning for accelerated drying in summer; in winter alternate cycles of opened windows and heating. · Remove wet area rugs, but do not attempt to remove tacked down carpeting or pad. · Remove lamps, telephones and decorative items from wet furniture tops. · Remove standing water from surfaces by mopping, sponging and blotting. · Place aluminum foil squares, china saucers or wood blocks under furniture legs to avoid carpet staining. · Move photos, paintings, and art objects to a safe, dry location. · Remove wet fabrics and dry them as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature. · Lift draperies off carpet, loop through a coat hanger, and place the hanger on the drapery rod. · Prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying. · Open furniture drawers, cabinet drawers, closet doors, and luggage to enhance drying. · Do not force open stuck drawers or doors. · Remove damp books from shelves and spread out to dry. If time is not permitting, freeze valuable books and documents to retard mildew growth until drying can be performed. · Wipe furniture dry. · If damage occurs during summer, use an air conditioner if available.
Don'ts · Do not use heat to dry closed building interiors; mildew and expanded moisture damage may result. · Do not use an ordinary household vacuum to remove water. · Do not use electrical appliances while on wet carpet or wet floors. · Beware of wet concrete, vinyl or ceramic tile. Serious injuries may occur on slippery surfaces. · Do not go into rooms with standing water if the electricity is still on. · Do not lift tacked down carpet without professional help. Lifting the carpet incorrectly could promote shrinkage.
Do not wait to call for professional help. Call immediately, even before attempting any of the procedures listed above. Proper drying within the first few hours greatly diminishes damage from water and bacteria growth. Damage from the water and bacteria growth can begin within hours.
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