WATCH: What to do Immediately Following a Flood

The best thing you can do immediately following a flood or discovering water damage is to call a professional and certified water damage restoration company in order to minimize damages and begin the structural drying process.  However, following a large weather event where there is large spread flooding and lack of access to certain areas due to fallen trees or shut down roads, professional response can be delayed.

Before a team of certified water damage experts arrive on site, we recommend the following tips to our customers which are all things that YOU can do immediately following a flood:

1. Get Water Out Quickly:  Remove as much water as possible by mopping or blotting the affected area with towels or a dry wet vacuum if handy.
2. Turn Off the Utilities:  In a serious water event, turn off the power to ensure the safety of yourself and your family.
3. Do Not Use Any Electrical Appliances:  If your carpet or flooring is wet, do not use electrical appliances to avoid electrocution
4. Move Belongings to a Dry Location:  Move wet belongings and furniture to a dry area. Lift furniture onto blocks or slide a square of aluminum foil under furniture legs to prevent the wood stain from bleeding into carpeting.
5. Remove Area Rugs from the Floor:  Remove area rugs to avoid carpet dyes from staining flooring, carpeting and wood floors.
6. Watch Out for Debris:  Be mindful of dislodged materials such as nails that could be present in the water flowing through your home.
7. Don’t Throw Anything Out:  Don’t throw out expensive or valued belongings even if they got wet and are now not working. Be sure to document a thorough list of damaged items with photos and videos as soon as you can which will help the claim adjustment process.

To learn more about Premier Restoration Hawaii and the 24/7 emergency services they provide, visit their website.