888.525.4662
contact@northernins.ca
 March 25, 2014
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Quick Tips on Water Damage Recovery

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.