• Locate and turn off your water main to prevent further flooding.
  • Once you are allowed back on the premises, check your insurance policy, and get in touch with an agent for information on how to proceed with your claim.
  • Turn off gas, water, and electricity when confronted by a flooded basement.
  • If possible, take photographs of damaged items and property for your insurance claim.
  • Contact the appropriate professionals immediately if you suspect damage to water, gas, electric, or sewer lines.
  • Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
  • Wipe water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
  • Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying (check for possible bleeding).
  • Turn on air conditioning for maximum drying in summer; open windows to speed drying in winter.
  • Blot wet carpeting with clean white towels.
  • Contact Platinum Restoration immediately. Wet carpeting, furniture, bedding, and any other items holding moisture or water inside the building can develop mold within 24 to 48 hours.

  • Re-enter your home before checking for structural damage.
  • If the fire department turns off your utilities (water, electricity, and gas) before they leave, it means they are unsafe to use. Do not try to turn them back on by yourself as this could be very dangerous and cause further damage to your home.
  • Attempt to clean carpet and drapes. In many cases they will have to be removed. Drying without decontaminating does not remove mold spores.
  • Turn on anything with an electric current if you smell natural gas, including telephone or light switches. Any small spark can cause a fire.
  • Leave wet fabrics in place; dry as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
  • Leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors.
  • Use your household vacuum to remove water.
  • Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpet or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.
  • Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings sag from retained water.