Emergency Drying Tips

Below are emergency drying tips that you can do yourself in case you're forced to handle a flooding situation alone.

• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping, blotting, or using a wet vac to assist you
• Remove carpets from the flooded area because these can only be saved through professional structural drying techniques
• Wipe water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and table top items
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying (check for possible bleeding)
• Place aluminum foil, china saucers or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting
• Turn on dehumidifiers and fans for maximum drying year round
• Turn on air conditioning for maximum drying in summer; open windows for speed drying in winter
• Open drawers and cabinet doors for complete drying (do not force, however)
• Remove valuable oil paintings and art objects to a safe place
• Open suitcases and luggage to dry, in sunlight if possible
• Punch small holes in sagging ceilings to relieve trapped water (don’t forget to place pans beneath!)
• Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature

Things you should NOT do when you experience water damage:

• Never leave wet fabrics in place; dry them as soon as possible
• Never leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors
• Never use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water
• Never use electrical appliances (i.e. televisions) while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially NOT on wet concrete floors
• Never turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet
• Keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water