TEN IMMEDIATE THINGS TO DO WHEN DISCOVERING FLOOD DAMAGE 

Sarasota, Bradenton, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Charlotte County

Water Damage Tampa, Sarasota, Bradenton, St. Petersburg or anywhere in Greater Tampa Bay:  When it happens to your home or business, you can significantly reduce the amount of damage to your property IF YOU ACT QUICKLY.

Here are the Ten Most Important items to address immediately after discovering flood damage:

1.  Shut off the water source.  If your flood was caused by a plumbing malfunction, broken pipes or overflowing sinks or tubs, immediately turn off the water.  If necessary, shut the main water source off at the entry to your property.

2.  Call an Emergency Water Removal Team that can be on your property within ONE HOUR.  The longer your property sits wet, the greater the damage to walls, baseboards, cabinets, carpets, furniture, etc.  Do Not Wait – Call Immediately. 

3.  Pay attention to electrical hazards.  If there is a risk that flood water has reached wires, shut off electricity to the affected area.

4.  Move wood furniture out of the flood water and wet areas or raise it above the waterline.  Furniture stains caused by wood on carpets cannot be removed!

5.  Remove area rugs from the flooded area.

6.  DO NOT cut out carpets or padding from wet areas.  Your water removal team should be able to save these if engaged promptly.

7.  Vacuum or sweep out excess water if possible.

8.  Beware of sewage pathogens.  If you are experiencing flood damage due to sewage, stay out of the dirty water.  Water containing sewage exposes you to viruses, pathogens, parasites and other virulent diseases.  When dealing with sewage, experts will wear protective clothing, gloves, boots and masks.

9.  Check under beds and furniture for valuables like photos, important papers, books, albums, and the like.  Remove these to dry ground promptly.

10.  Perform professional water extraction and physically remove the water from the property.  This must be followed by a structural drying operation that will eliminate all moisture from the home or business.

Quick response to water damage will help you save your property and greatly lower the costs of remediation. 

Flooded anywhere in Tampa, Sarasota, Bradenton, St. Petersburg or anywhere in Tampa Bay?  Call the Water Damage Exerts at Air Movers 24 hours a Day, 7 Days a Week: