WHAT TO DO

• Damage from water and bacteria growth can begin within hours. Call for professional help.

• Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.

• Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings not permanently attached. Do not attempt to start removing your wall-to-wall carpet.

• Lift draperies off the floor, loop through a plastic coat hanger and place the hanger on the drapery rod.

• Wipe furniture, prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying and place aluminum foil under furniture legs.

• Move photos, paintings and art objects to a safe, dry location.

• Do not remove books from shelves. Instead, pack them tightly to prevent warping of pages until a restoration professional can begin this specialized drying.

• Open drawers, closets and cabinet doors to enhance drying.

WHAT NOT TO DO

• Do not enter a room with standing water until electricity has been turned off.

• Do not use a regular household vacuum to remove water.

• Do not lift tacked-down carpet without professional help.

• Do not use electrical appliances while on wet carpet or flooring.

• Do not disturb visible mold.