Actions You Can Take

Shut Down Affected Utilities 

1. Water Source: Stop the source of the water. Turn off   your   outside water main, or call a plumber or other qualified tradesman   to   stop the source of water flow. Contact your local utilities   department   if you can’t find how to turn off the water main.
2. Electrical: Disconnect all power to affected areas. Do not   operate   your TVs or other electrical appliances while standing on wet   carpets or   floors (especially if concrete). Do not use your household   vacuum   cleaner to remove water.

Remove as Much Standing Water as Possible

1. Floors: Remove as much standing water as possible by squeegee, mopping or blotting.
2. Carpeting: Blot wet carpet with clean white towels. Remove   Oriental   rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpet.   Place a fan so   air flows over the carpet, speeding the drying process.
3. Ceilings: Punch small holes in sagging ceilings to relieve   trapped   water. Place a plastic (not metal) bucket under the leak. Do   not turn on   ceiling light fixtures or fan if the ceiling is wet.

Move Wet Items to Dry Areas

1. Clothing/Fabrics: Move wet items to a dry place. Do not allow     draperies to remain in contact with wet floors or carpeting. Open and     empty drawers and cabinets for complete drying. Hang furs and leather     goods to dry separately at room temperature.
2. Furniture: Move lighter pieces off of the carpeting. Place   plastic   wrap or plastic bags beneath the legs of larger furniture.   Wipe any   residual water off of the furniture.
3. Art Objects/Paintings: Remove valuable painting and pictures from wet walls. Transfer all objects to a dry safe place.
4. Upholstery: Remove and prop up wet upholstered cushions for even drying. Check for possible bleeding of colors.
5. Luggage: Open suitcases and luggage to dry in sunlight if possible.
6. Books/Magazines: Do not leave books, magazines or other colored     items on wet carpets or floors. High value books should be given to a     professional for proper drying and restoration as soon as possible.

Ventilate Affected Areas   

1. Air Conditioning: Turn on your air conditioner (no lower than 72 degrees) to speed drying in the summer, or more humid regions.
2. Open windows and doors when possible.