Water Damage Clean-up Safety Procedures - Safety First!

Water damage clean-up dangers are not over even when the water goes down. Do not endanger yourself or your family after a water event. Keep children and pets away. Try to protect yourself and your family from stress, fatigue, and water-related health hazards. The following precautions will help avoid hazards after a water loss:

1. Determine Structural Stability: water damage clean-up, repair and restoration determines whether your property is structurally safe to enter. Before entering your home or business, take a look at the ceiling and supporting walls. Do not enter if the ceiling is sagging due to water buildup or if walls have collapsed. If you are not certain the building is safe or if you have any question regarding personal safety, stay out and have a professional make an assessment.

If the building is determined safe, walk in carefully and inspect indoor stability. Do not enter any deep standing water as it may contain hidden hazards. If your property is determined unsafe or you cannot live in your home while repairs are being made, make arrangements for temporary alternate lodging. Keep records of all additional expenses incurred as a result. Most insurance policies will cover additional living expenses. Insurance term is called A.L.E in your insurance policy.

2. Cut Off the Power Supply: Always assume all power lines are active and functioning. Turn off the power to your home or business by turning off the main circuit breaker panel. The panel is usually installed in the garage, utility room, basement, or outdoors on the side of the home. Call us immediately to begin extraction of standing water and so that we can begin placing equipment the faster we dry out the building the less damage there will be. Avoid using any electrical appliances especially while standing on wet carpets or floors. If you choose to use a generator for temporary electricity supply, do not run it in an enclosed area. The generator's engine releases carbon monoxide that is extremely hazardous to health. Be sure to let the engine cools off before refueling to reduce risk of explosion and avoid using extension cords in water damage clean-up, repair and restoration areas.

3. Turn Off the Water Supply to water damage clean-up, repair and restoration: Turn off the main water supply. Locate the main valve and turn it clockwise to turn it off. You may need to use pliers or an adjustable wrench. The main water valve is usually located in the basement, near the water meter, or outside the building. If you can not complete this task yourself, contact a plumber immediately to shut off the water. 4. Turn Off the Gas Supply: Check for the odor of natural gas and shut off the gas supply lines. The main gas valve is usually located on the gas supply pipe, near the meter. 5. Beware of Animals: Watch out for stray pets, reptiles, and rodents that might have taken shelter in your property after being disturbed by flood waters.

6. Use Protective Gear

In many cases of water damage events, water is contaminated with sewage, mud, and other debris, presenting health hazards. Protect yourself during water damage clean-up, repair and restoration using protective gear such as: • Disposable plastic gloves
• Respirator with a particulate filter, N-95 respirator, or half-face respirator with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter
• Goggles or protective eyewear
• Disposable full body clothing or coveralls
• Hard hat
• Steel toed enclosed boots or shoes