A Dozen Things YOU can Do In An Emergency

• 1. Call Carpet Cleaning New Jersey immediately!
• 2. Avoid entering any room if the ceiling appears to be wet or sagging.
• 3. If the water is grey or black, it may be contaminated by sewage or other harmful microbial substances; do not handle any items in the area and do not turn on fans or heating and air conditioning systems.
• 4. If the water is clear and it is possible to do so, quickly eliminate the source of the water.
• 5. If you can do so safely, turn off the supply of electricity to areas of home affected by flooding.
• 6. If you can do so safely, move any electrical devices from area affected by flooding.
• 7. Avoid walking on wet carpets or rugs to the extent possible.
• 8. Move small pieces of furniture, such as side tables and chairs, from wet carpet as quickly as possible. Place aluminum foil or wax paper under the legs of large furniture pieces, like dressers or china cabinets, to help prevent carpet staining.
• 9. Remove items that are fragile or sensitive to moisture like books, fabrics, and knick-knacks from rooms affected by flooding. Also remove any items, like potted plants, that could stain your carpets or rugs.
• 10. Pin up draperies and skirts on furniture to prevent the formation of water lines and marks.
• 11. Towel dry wooden furniture, counter tops and fittings.
• 12. To avoid the chance of electrical shock, do not try to use home vacuums or shop vacs to extract water in flooded areas.

Flood Waters

Flood water falls into three categories. Determining which category your problem falls into is important in determining the best course of action to take. However, it is critical to seek assistance immediately, because category 1 waters can worsen into category 2 or 3 very quickly.

Category 1—clear water
This type of flooding usually entails clean water that originates from a source--such as a broken pipe or water heater--that does not present an immediate danger to humans or animals.

Category 2- grey water
If the flood water appears to be grey, filmy, or murky it may contain a significant level of contamination, which could cause discomfort or sickness to humans exposed to it. Clear water may become murky or fall into category 2 within 24-72 hours.

Category 3- black water
Black water, which may occur in situations involving mass flooding or sewage, is extremely dangers. It contains significant microbial and pathogenic agents and is unsanitary. You should make every effort to prevent your family members or pets from being exposed to this category of flood waters.