Quick Tips While You Wait For Help!

3/29/2021 (Permalink)

Whether it’s a burst pipe, storm water or sewage back flowing into your basement, or eve a water heater mishap, few situations are more stressful than watching a massive amount of water pour into your home. Even a small leak is nothing to ignore.

So, you have flooding inside your home, you’ve made the call and the SERVPRO of Franklin, Vance & Granville Counties team is on the way… but what do you do until help arrives? Here are some tips from the experts.

• Safety first. If you don’t feel safe in the house, get out! There could be a danger of slipping and falling, not to mention electrical hazards.
• Shut off the main water supply valve immediately. 
• If it’s safe to do so, turn off the electricity to flooded rooms. Do not walk or wade through water to reach the breaker box. You don't want to risk being shocked or worse.
• If it’s safe inside, start removing excess water by mopping and blotting the floors. Be sure to wipe water from wood furniture to keep it from getting damaged: Prop up wet upholstery and cushions for drying.
• Create a barrier between soaked carpet and furniture legs (aluminum foil, wood blocks, etc.). Make sure there are no books, magazines, rugs or other colored items that can “bleed” on the carpet.
• Do NOT use your household vacuum to remove water. Only use an approved wet/dry vacuum to extract water.
• Get the air circulating. Use ceiling fans (but not if the ceiling is wet) or A/C in the summer to begin the drying process.
• Put family heirlooms, art and other safekeepings in a safe, dry place.
• Hang wet fabrics and leather items out to dry.

SERVPRO of Franklin, Vance & Granville Counties is locally owned and operated, so we are part of this community too. When you have a flooding or water emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help. We take pride in being a part of our community and want to do our part in making it the best it can be!