Water Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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SERVPRO of Tracy,we are certified experts on water restoration. You need to think about what category the water is.

  1. Category 1 -This water is clean water. It is so clean that you could safely drink. If you have this water, then you are able to save the porous contents and not remove anything for the most part. The thing about category 1 water is it can quickly change to category 2. If the floors are dirty then it can immediately change.
  2. Category 2 -This water is known as grey water. This water is not safe to drink. Some examples of category 2 water would be if a washing machine broke and the soapy water got all over the carpet. Another one would be a flushed toiled that overflowed that had urine in it but not any feces. In most cases if this water got all over the house all porous contents must be removed. This is dirty water and even if we dried it out your house is now filthy.
  3. Category 3 -The last category water is category 3 water or black water. Things like sewer backups, storm water, toilet overflows with feces, and moldy water are considered category three water. If you have this water in your house the only thing to do is to remove all porous contents. We hope you never have a water damage but if you do then make sure you call us as soon as you can; timing is everything in water damages.

Have A  Water Damage Emergency? Call (209) 834-0200

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.