Water Damage:

Water damages can arises out of fire damages, broken pipes, blocked drains, malfunctioning appliances, storms and many other events. The appropriate treatment depends on the nature of the damage. Both origin and dwell time determine the necessary restorative procedures and the length of dry time and/or replacement of materials. In some cases the water carries contaminants and should be considered hazardous; even clean water can generate mildew and other bacterial growth if neglected.

DO:

• Retain a certified restoration firm such as
  V.S. Restoration;
• Ventilate wet areas. Turn on air conditioning for accelerated drying in the summer; in winter alternate cycles of opened windows and heating;
• Remove standing water from flat surfaces by extraction tools, mop and bucket or towels;
• Take up saturated rugs and carpets when hardwood floors are at risk;
• Stay out of rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water;
• Transport computers to a dry environment, remove cases and blow dry with low pressure;
• Remove lamps, telephones and decorative items from wet furniture tops;
• Open drawers and cabinet doors for interior drying, but do not force open stuck drawers or doors;
• Freeze valuable books and documents to retard mildew growth until drying can be performed;
• Place aluminum foil squares, waxed paper or wood blocks under furniture legs to avoid carpet staining.

DO NOT:

• Operate TVs, vacuums, or other appliances while standing on wet carpet or floors, especially wet concrete floors. Serious injury may result;
• Use heat to dry closed building interiors. Mildew and expanded moisture damage may result;
• Leave wet fabrics in place. Rather, space them out and dry as soon as possible.