What To Do When Water Damage Occurs

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

We hope you never experience water damage, but if and when you do, we will treat it and work to restore your space to what it was.

Water damage is a more common occurrence that plagues many homes and businesses. Even in small amounts, any water damage that is left untreated compromises the structure of the house or building and is also a health risk. When left unattended, water damage can eat through concrete, cause electrical shortages, affect structural foundations, and breed toxic molds. In most cases, professional services from SERVPRO are necessary, if only for the safety of you and those occupying the water-damaged space with you. 

First and foremost, when water damage occurs, the priority needs to be safety. If you cannot safely remain in the space, evacuate immediately. Keeping safety first, remember that wet materials can be extremely heavy. Don't move wet furniture or rugs without help, and even then, it isn't wise to risk your health or bodily injury. Water damage can become complicated (and very dangerous) when electricity is involved. Slip and fall hazards are a prevalent concern as people often don't remember how slippery floors make things more challenging. 

While you wait for SERVPRO of Southern Idaho to arrive and you've assessed if you can safely be in the space, there are some tasks you can do to help prevent long-term damage.  

1. Wipe down any wood furniture (after removing anything on the top of the furniture). 
2. Use mops and towels to remove excess standing water. 
3. If your upholstery is wet, remove any cushions and place them in a dry spot to begin drying and reshaping. 
4. If the carpet is wet and you cannot thoroughly remove the furniture, place wooden blocks or aluminum foil between the legs and carpet. 
5. Remove all rugs (if able to). 
6. If it's summertime, turn the Air Conditioning on full blast to start the drying process. 
7. Remove any items off the floor that can be moved to a dry location. 

When a disaster like water damage strikes, it can make us all freeze and not know what to do next. It's important to share things not to do after water damage happens.  

1. If your ceiling is experiencing water damage, do not turn on your ceiling fan, and stay out of that room in case of a ceiling collapse. 
2. Hang all wet fabrics to dry (rugs, furs, leathers, etc.) 
3. Remove any colored items off the wet floor (books, magazines, art supplies, toys, etc.) 
4. Don't use any electrical appliances in that room (I.e., television, refrigerator, hairdryer, streaming devices, etc.) 
5. Never use your home vacuum to remove standing water. 

Using SERVPRO for any water damage emergency is the choice to make. Not only is our team professionally trained and equipped with the highest-grade equipment, and we will help you with your insurance claim too. When water damage occurs, there are often terrible lingering odors left on the furniture and other personal items. The Southern Idaho SERVPRO team can safely, effectively, and efficiently clean furniture, upholstery, and other personal belongings. 

We hope you never experience water damage, but if and when you do, we will treat it and work to restore your space to what it was. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.