Water Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

Photograph The Damage. You can never take too many photos.
Contact Your Insurance Provider. As soon as you have gathered preliminary information, you should contact your home insurance provider.
Safety First. Be mindful to come in contact with electrically charged water. Use caution around slippery wet surfaces. Avoid contact with stagnant or contaminated water.
Inspect Plumbing. Turn of your water main if necessary. Contact a trusted plumbing contractor if you discover plumbing damage.
Disconnect electrical appliances that have come in contact with water. Turn off main power at the power source. Contact an electrician if you discover damaged electrical wires.
Contact SERVPRO of Northwest Portland immediately to start the water remediation process. Secondary water damage can occur in as little as 24 hours.

Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
Gather loose items from floors.

Don't leave 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 television or other household appliances.
Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.