| Water damage inside a home tends to come | | | | dry shop vac, mops and rags. Lift drapes off the |
| from only two sources, Mother Nature and | | | | floor, remove area rugs, and basically anything |
| mechanical malfunctions. Whether it is from | | | | lying around that can be subject to water, |
| storms, rising rivers and lakes or plumbing leaks | | | | especially newspapers, magazines and books since |
| and sewer back-ups one fact will remain the | | | | they can bleed ink and stain. Wipe down solid |
| same, time is of the essence. The sooner the | | | | furniture, remove and air dry wet or damp couch |
| water is removed and the area dried the better | | | | cushions. Aluminum foil can be placed under |
| the chances are of getting out of the situation | | | | furniture legs to prevent carpet stains. |
| with the least amount of damage. The loss your | | | | If temperatures are over 60 degrees use a |
| property can be devastating but a health issue | | | | dehumidifier, fans and air conditioning to circulate |
| arising from improper cleanup procedures, in my | | | | air. Turn on the heat if the weather is cold to aid |
| opinion, is much more critical. | | | | in the drying process. |
| Depending on the amount of water that you are | | | | Do not attempt cleanup yourself if you are dealing |
| dealing with, clean up can range from a simple | | | | with any kind of sewerage water unless it is |
| shop vac and a few fans to pumping machines, | | | | absolutely necessary. In this case be sure to wear |
| industrial grade dehumidification units, sanitizing and | | | | rubber gloves and protective clothing, a respirator |
| disinfecting. When massive flooding of the home | | | | and goggles. When finished handling |
| has occurred it is always best to call on the | | | | sewerage-contaminated items immediately |
| professionals for an accurate evaluation. In the | | | | remove your outerwear and either dispose of it |
| mean time, there a few things that can be done | | | | or wash. Thoroughly scrub with a disinfectant |
| (and not done) to assure safety and the least | | | | soap. If you develop any adverse heath issues be |
| amount of damage. | | | | sure to contact your doctor and make him aware |
| We will cover a few of the basics here. | | | | of the situation. In the event that the HVAC |
| The first and most obvious is to eliminate the | | | | system is readily accessible turn it off to prevent |
| source of water if possible such as turning off the | | | | the spread of air-born contaminants. |
| main water line. If you are dealing with clean | | | | Here are a few addition things to be aware of: |
| water it is typically safe to enter the home and | | | | Never use a household vacuum to remove water |
| initiate clean-up but only after the circuit breakers | | | | since electrical shock may occur along with |
| that supply power to the wet room or rooms | | | | damage to the unit. Stay out of rooms that have |
| have been turned off. | | | | standing water and the electricity is still on. Do not |
| Unplug and remove any electrical devices that are | | | | use ceiling fans when the ceiling is wet. Stay off |
| in or near the affected area. | | | | of wet surfaces as much as possible to avoid |
| Remove as much water as possible with a wet | | | | accidents and the possible spread of bacteria. |