Below you will find Water Damage Emergency Tips for your reference. It is recommended that you become familiar with these tips. For, when a water loss occurs, familiarity with these tips will help you respond appropriately.

Determine the Extent of the Damage:
1. Has the leak been stopped?
2. What was the origin of the water? (hot or cold; fresh or sewer, etc.)
3. What areas and/or contents were affected?
4. Has the furniture and/or contents been removed or protected from further damage?
5. Are there any safety concerns? (Sagging structure, wet electrical outlets, etc.)
6. Have you called a professional for assistance?

Do’s
• Do call a professional for assistance.
• Do relocate breakables and small furnishings from the affected area.
• Do place aluminum foil, china saucers or wood blocks under the furnishings that are too large for you to remove.
• Do punch small holes in sagging ceilings to release trapped water. (Don’t forget to place pans underneath ceiling holes.)

Do Not’s
• Do not leave wet fabrics (towels, clothes, etc.) in place; dry as soon as possible.
• Do not use heat to dry furs and leather goods.
• Do not leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Do not use your household vacuum to remove water.
• 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.

For additional information we suggest you refer to the website of the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) – www.iicrc.org. The IICRC is a certifying body that sets standards for inspection, cleaning, and disaster restoration.

According to the IICRC Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration (IICRC S500), there are three categories of water that cause damage in buildings. They are summarized as follows:

Category 1 Water - That which is clean at the releasing source and does not pose a hazard if consumed by humans. Category 1 water may become progressively contaminated as it mixes with soils on or within floor coverings or building assemblies (walls, decking, sub flooring). Time and temperature, which promote the growth and amplification of microorganisms in water can cause Category 1 water to degrade. Examples: burst water pipes, failed supply lines on appliances, vertically falling rainwater.

Category 2 Water - That which begins with some degree of contamination and could cause sickness or discomfort if consumed by humans. As with Category 1 water, time and temperature can cause Category 2 water to become progressively more contaminated.

Category 3 Water - That which is highly contaminated and could cause death or serious illness if consumed by humans. Examples: sewage, rising flood water from rivers and streams, ground surface water flowing horizontally into homes.

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