With the recent and tragic events that have unfolded in Southern Alberta I figured some information on water and flood restoration may be helpful. The information below is courtesy of CSI Restoration Services.

Stay safe and there and take care of each other....

Water Damage

Water damage arises from fire damage, broken pipes, blocked drains, malfunctioning appliances, storms and other causes. The appropriate treatment depends on the nature of the damage. Some water carries contaminates and should be considered hazardous (see sewage and Flood Damage, below). Whatever the origin, the prospects of restoration depend largely on the speed with which your building and personal property can be dried. Even clean water can generate mildew and other bacterial growth if neglected.

DO...

• Ventilate wet areas. Turn on air conditioning for accelerated drying in summer; in winter alternate cycles of opened windows and heating.
• Remove standing water from flat surfaces by sponging and blotting.
• Take up saturated rugs and carpets when hardwood floors are at risk.
• Stay out of rooms were ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• Transport computers to a dry environment, remove cases and blow dry with low pressure air.
• Remove lamps, telephones and decorative items from wet furniture tops.
• Open drawers and cabinet doors for interior drying, but do not force open stuck drawers or doors.
• Freeze valuable books and documents to retard mildew growth until drying can be performed.
• Place aluminum foil squares, china saucers or wood blocks under furniture legs to avoid carpet staining.

DO NOT...

• Operate TVs, vacuums or other appliances while standing on wet carpet or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors. Serious injury may result.
• Use heat to dry closed building interiors; mildew and expanded moisture damage may result.
• Leave wet fabrics in place; space them apart and dry as soon as possible.

Sewage & Flood Damage

Raw sewage and flood waters contain bacteria and other micro organisms which are extremely hazardous to human health. These can be transmitted by touching contaminated items or by tracking them into uncontaminated areas on shoes. Children and pets are especially vulnerable. Frequent handwashing is an important preventive measure. Absorbent materials such as carpeting and drywall may not be restorable after direct contact with sewage-contaminated or flood-contaminated water.

DO...

• Treat all water-impacted surfaces and furnishings as toxic, until properly decontaminated.
• Keep children and pets out of contaminated areas.

DO NOT...

• Track contaminated material into undamaged areas.
• Attempt to decontaminate surfaces with sprays and other over-the-counter germicidal products, which may not fully disinfect contaminated surfaces.