Winter in the Algoma Region this year was filled with severe blizzards, ice storms and other extreme weather. As days start to warm, freeze-thaw conditions may lead to another round of water damage this spring. Here are a few helpful tips on what to do if your home or property becomes water damaged.

• Wear protective clothing, mask and gloves.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Gather loose items from your floors.
• Remove valuable paintings and pictures from wet walls.
• Remove Oriental rugs or other coloured rugs from the wet wall-to-wall carpet. Place a fan so air flows over the carpet, speeding the drying process.
• Move wet items to a dry place. Open and empty drawers and cabinets for complete drying.
• Move lighter furniture off the carpeting.
• Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
• Open suitcases and luggage to dry. Place in sunlight if possible.
• Punch small holes in sagging ceilings to relieve trapped water. Place a plastic (not metal) bucket under the leak.
• Disconnect all power to affected areas.
• If possible, stop the source of water. Turn off outside water main, or call a plumber or other qualified tradesman, if necessary. If you are unable to locate or turn off the water main contact the fire department.
• Empty the refrigerator/freezer completely if electricity is off. Prop the doors open with a towel.
• If possible, open windows to help ventilate.
• Retrieve and retain all broken pieces of porcelain and art objects.
• Save all wood chips or broken pieces of furniture.

As a homeowner, it is important to understand what is protected in the event your home or property is damaged by water. As a result of a rise in claims caused by extreme weather conditions, changes to water damage insurance are occurring.

Contact us to learn more about changes to water damage insurance.