Water Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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What To Do When Your House Floods

Water is an under-rated force that can damage homes and buildings in the Wood, Ritchie & Pleasants Counties, even when you think you've cleaned it up. It can expand within wood, cement and dry wall, give life to mold and other harmful organisms. It is important to thoroughly remove it as soon as possible. 

If there is flooding in your house or commercial building please take these steps immediately;

  1. Stop the water at the source if possible
  2. Turn off electricity immediately - electricity travels very quickly through water and is a high danger to all humans and animals in the premises.
  3. If safe to do so, remove and mop any visible water - acting quickly is important to minimise the damage caused by water.
  4. Leave the premises - if there has been strong flooding the water can make the structure unsafe and vulnerable to collapsing.
  5. Call for help - if renting, call your landlord, if you're a home owner call a water remediation business immediately because the water damage exponentially increases over time.

Have A  Water Damage Emergency? Call (304) 428-7378

What To Do After Flooding

  • Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
  • Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
  • Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
  • Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
  • Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
  • Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
  • Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
  • Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

  • Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
  • Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
  • Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
  • Don't use television or other household appliances.
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.