Water Damage Dos & Donts

Some Do's and Don'ts to do immediately after calling and waiting for our team to arrive:

Do's 
• If the outside temperature is above 60 degrees, use dehumidifiers if available.
• Use fans to circulate the air and assist drying.
• Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe furniture dry.
• Lift draperies off carpet, loop through a coat hanger, and place the hanger on the drapery rod.
• Prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying and place small wood blocks or aluminum foil under furniture legs.
• Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings.
• Open furniture drawers, closet doors, and luggage to enhance drying.
• Move photos, paintings, and art objects to a safe, dry location.
• Remove wet fabrics and dry them as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
• Remove damp books from shelves and spread out to dry.
• If damage occurs during a cool season, leave heat on; if in summer, use an air conditioner if available.
 
Don'ts
• Do not use an ordinary household vacuum to remove water.
• Do not use electrical appliances while on wet carpet or wet floors.
• Do not go into rooms with standing water if the electricity is still on.
• Do not lift tacked down carpet without professional help. Lifting the carpet incorrectly could promote shrinkage.
• Do not wait to call a water damage professional at 1-513-769-0555 for professional help immediately
• Damage from the water and bacteria growth can begin within hours.  
• Mold can grow from standing water within 72 hours.

See our Water Damage FAQ page for more details

Electronics
THE FIRST 24 HOURS of exposure to the effects of Water could determine if electronic equipment can be saved. This plan is intended only as a guideline for deciding if professional restoration services will be required. Testing will help to determine the extent of exposure from the following potential sources of damage:

     •   Sewage
     •   Water
     •   Heat
     •   Chemicals

Examples of electronic equipment that may have a limited life if not treated within 24 hours:

     •   Computers
     •   Telephone Switching
     •   Test Equipment
     •   Fax Machines
     •   Controls
     •   Medical Equipment
     •   Copiers
     •   Processing Equipment
     •   Sound Equipment

THE FIRST ACTION IS TO DE-ENERGIZE (Turn Off)
The first action is to immediately de-energize and disconnect all equipment including any battery backups. Not only is there a danger to personnel working in the area and a danger of fire from electrical shorts, but electrochemical action can plate contaminants onto printed circuit boards and associated connectors and backplates. The reverse action may permanently remove metals.

CONTROL THE HUMIDITY
The first objective of restoration is to remove the contaminants. If all of the equipment cannot be cleaned simultaneously, it is important that immediate steps be taken to arrest the corrosion process. The most important step is to control the humidity!! Corrosion occurs very slowly if the relative humidity is below 50%. Testing will help determine which dehumidification process is best suited; Refrigerant or Desiccant, both have advantages if properly utilized.

• Maintain the electronics in an area where the relative humidity is below 50%.
• Move to another area if necessary to maintain the humidity and temperature balance.
• If you cannot move the electronics, seal each piece from the outside elements. Be careful not to trap moisture inside the chassis. Desiccants may be required.
• If water or liquids from the fire suppression systems are visible, perform the steps outlined under the heading "Water Damage" first.

TESTING TO ASSESS THE DAMAGE
Two basic measurements should be made to assess the corrosion potential in a loss involving electrical / electronic equipment. The first is a surface concentration of halogenides to determine the chloride corrosion potential. The second test is pH, a measure of acidity of the contaminant. These tests are run on hard horizontal surfaces not disturbed by cleaning efforts. The importance of these tests and their interpretation is critical for establishing a baseline and a cleaning protocol.
 
CORROSION CONTROL
In cases of severe contaminant concentration, a special non-petroleum preservative may be sprayed on the equipment to exclude moisture and air. This very thin film is designed to be removed easily in the restoration process later.
 
ESTABLISH A CLEANING AND QUALITY PROTOCOL
Once the corrosion process is stabilized, the appropriate cleaning and quality protocols will be applied by Rapid Restoration Certified Technicians. A written Scope of Work will detail specific concerns to assure quality compliance to industry and Mil Spec. Standards.