Restoration & Repair    |   Flood

• Turn off electricity at the main fuse box if necessary.
• Do not turn electricity back on if you smell gas or if the electric system has been flooded.
• Wear sturdy work boots and gloves.
• Do not handle electrical equipment in wet areas.
• Upon reentering the site, watch for structural damage. Ceilings and roofs may be subject to collapse.
• Use flashlights, not lanterns, candles or matches, to check buildings containing natural gas, propane, or gasoline.
• Clean and disinfect everything that was touched by flood waters and throw out any such foodstuffs.
• Do not use TV's or other appliances while standing on wet carpet or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water
• Limit contact with areas and items affected by sewage water.
• Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink.
• Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
• Avoid moving water.
• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
• Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe
• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
• Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
• Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.

Do...

• Remove all excess water by mopping or blotting - use clean white towels for blotting. Several inches of water should be pumped out or extracted immediately.
• Circulate air for maximum drying: open windows for air exchange or operate air conditioner.
• Pierce small holes in sagging ceilings to release trapped water.
• Clear items from atop wooden furniture and wipe off any moisture.
• Remove wet upholstery cushions and prop them up in order to dry all surfaces.
• Separate wet clothing to avoid dye transfer.
• Open drawers and cabinet doors for complete drying of space within.
• Remove valuable oil paintings and art objects to a safe place.
• Open suitcases and luggage to dry in sunlight if possible.
• Make sure all carpeting is dried before rolling it up in order to retain color quality.

Do Not...

• Leave wet fabrics in place; dry as soon as possible. Furs and leather goods need to be hung separately and dried at room temperature.
• Leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors.
• Use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Leave furniture directly on wet carpeting - place aluminum foil, china saucers or wood blocks underneath furniture legs.
• Leave Orientals or other colored rugs on wet wall-to-wall carpeting - remove them until wall-to-wall is fully dried.
• Attempt to clean upholstery or Oriental rugs with ordinary household cleaners.
• Begin to repair or repaint damaged building surfaces until you are certain they are completely dry.