Water Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

Water Tips  |  Fire Tips   |  Biohazard Tips   |  Mold Tips

We, at SERVPRO of Charlottesville, know what it’s like to have a water damage; It happened to us. Extreme weather and flooding, plumbing failures, and sump-pump failures can all contribute to a home or business experiencing a water damage.

Safety First:

• Stop the source of water damage; call a plumber/or wait for the storm to end
• Turn off the electricity
• If it is not safe to stay in the house, evacuate everyone, including pets
• Have all your relevant documents in one safe, dry place
• If you have homeowner’s insurance, start the claims process
• Document everything with photos, and wear protective gear
• If you are a tenant, reach out to your landlord or property manager

We can help with the cleanup process! Once the source of loss has been stopped, we have the knowledge, training, experience, PPE and equipment to help extract water, salvage personal items, dry the space out, disinfect, and help remediate mold.

Have A Water Damage Emergency? Call (434) 977-5850

Have A  Water Damage Emergency? Call (434) 977-5850

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.