Here’s what to do when you notice water damage and how to safely begin the process of remediation.

The longer water is allowed to stand, the more severe the damage will be.

You must respond to a flooding crisis quickly and efficiently.

Check for Danger

Before doing anything, ensure the damaged area is safe to work in.

Your main concern is electrical danger.

Be sure hot wires are not exposed as you begin to assess damage.

Category IIwater is sometimes called “gray” water.

It is not drinkable, but also not full of sewage.

Category II water can include dishwasher run-off or washing-machine run-off.

These sources contain soap and/or food contaminants but not raw sewage.

Category IIIwater, sometimes called “black” water, is highly contaminated.

It contains bacteria or chemicals harmful to touch, consume or inhale.

Category III water must be removed by a professional with proper immunizations and personal protective equipment.

(If Category III, wait for a professional.)

Immediately call your city’s waste water department and report the issue.

They need to respond immediately to prevent the flow of sewage.

This can include:

Furnishings: Immediately relocate furnishings immersed in water or sitting on damp flooring.

This is especially important for wood furnishings, or those that have a stain finish prone to bleeding.

Nothing ruins carpet quicker than bleeding, wet furniture.

Wall Coverings: Once the furnishings are out of the way, inspect the walls.

If water has wicked up the drywall or plaster, immediately remove baseboards, wainscoting or wall-coverings.

Mold begins to grow on porous surfaces after 48-72 hours of dampness.

if you run into mold, cease your demolition and hire an expert.

This is especially critical if you have children, seniors, or those with medical conditions in your home.

Do not disturb the mold, as this releases spores into the air.

Leave the drywall in place if no mold is present, it may be salvageable.

Flooring: Once furnishings are removed and wall-finishes are stripped to drywall, you could address the flooring.

Again, leave this to the experts.

It takes proper training to safely remove flooring damaged to this extent.

You’ll probably want to contact a restoration company to assist with moderate to heavy drying.

If you have light water damage, you may be able to deal with it yourself.

This creates a vortex with the air, pushing the air to the outside of the room.

Be sure to initiate the condensate line from the dehumidifier to a drain or out of the building.

Releasing the condensation into a bucket in the room just creates more moisture in the room and slows drying.

Light damage should dry overnight using this method.

While you’re at it, check out whyflood insuranceis a good idea for your basement or storm-prone apartment.