Water Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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When a home has had water damage, the first step that we recommend a homeowner take is to determine whether the house is safe to stay in. If there is any question that there might be an electrical hazard or that the water might be contaminated, it's safest to wait outside until help arrives.   

Depending on the source of the water damage, you will need to call your local plumber, electrician, fire department or municipality (in the case that the flooding is caused by a public water or sewer system failure).  Call SERVPRO of Shelton/Naugatuck immediately as well. The quicker we can start the mitigation process, the better. While you wait for help to arrive, there are some steps that you can take to minimize the damage. Keep in mind that your insurance adjuster may need to see damaged possessions in order to compensate you. Although you might choose to move wet items from an area of your home to get them out of the water, never dispose of contents until the damage has been documented.  

Have A  Water Damage Emergency? Call (203) 664-3190

What To Do After Flooding

• 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.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• 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.