Water Emergencies: What Can I do?

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

When experiencing a water emergency, it is hard not to panic. Be sure to pause, take a deep breath, and give SERVPRO of Jackson/Crockett County a call. We will quickly send our highly trained water technicians your way to evaluate the situation and get the mitigation and restoration process started as soon as possible! Our goal is to help return your home to its preloss condition, involving as little stress as possible. Cleanup & remediation are our top priorities when we arrive at your property. While we are on our way to your home, there are a couple of things you can do to help prevent secondary damage to your property and belongings.

The steps listed below are beneficial, but only if the water damage was caused by a clean water break. If you are dealing with damage from the sewer, toilet, or other contaminated water sources, it is important to stay away from the scene. That level of water contamination would be considered a category 2 or 3 water damage and could lead to adverse health effects.

Here are a few things you can do while waiting on our trained SERVPRO technicians to arrive:

• If it can be done safely, cut the water off at the source.
• Use a mop or towels to remove any excess water.
• To speed up the drying process, remove or pop up wet upholstery cushions.
• Don’t attempt to wash cushion covers in the washing machine.
• Lift furniture up on wooden blocks or wrap aluminum foil around the legs to prevent further damage.
• Be cautious when moving wet furniture. Water will make items heavier than they appear. 
• All furs and leather goods should be hung separately at room temperature and not piled up on top of one another
• Removing colored rugs from wet carpeting will help prevent dye from running and staining it. 
• A wet/dry shop vac could be used to help suck up water if you have one. 
• Do not turn on your lights or overhead fans if the water damage is in the ceiling. 
• Do not stand underneath ceilings that are starting to sag from pooled water.

If you are experiencing any doubts, it is better to not attempt anything! Once we arrive, we will evaluate the system and will communicate to you the steps that need to be taken to return your home to its preloss condition.

SERVPRO of Jackson/Crockett County is “Faster to any size disaster” and will take care of all your restoration and reconstruction needs.