Water Damage Safety Tips After a Storm

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Souris River flood of 2011

Heavy rain fall from massive summer storms can easily cause flooding outside and inside your home. After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first. Here are some safety tips to follow until help arrives:

• Is it safe to stay inside the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to preform.
• Wet materials can be very heavy. Be careful!

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 up wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting. 
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying during the summer months.
• 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 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 the television or other household appliances. 
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where the ceilings are sagging. 

For any water damage caused by a storm, call SERVPRO of Minot to help you clean up the mess and make it feel "Like it never even happened".