Each year, water-related damages cost property owners and renters billions of dollars. The most common damage results from plumbing problems (tubs, toilets, pipe breaks, showers), rain water, washing machines and frozen pipe breaks. By taking certain precautionary measures, and by following proper clean-up procedures, you may be able to lessen the severity of damage that may occur should a water-related problem present itself.

Preparation tips

Here are some steps you can take to help save your home from permanent water damage. A few precautions are:

• When on vacation, shut off your water. This can help to reduce the chance of flooding from a washing machine hose or frozen pipe break.
• Let faucets continuously drip during extremely cold weather to prevent pipes from bursting.
• Clean downspouts and gutters regularly to prevent roof damage from overflowing water.
• At least once a year, inspect and replace worn fittings or loose hose connections on household appliances that use water.

Safety tips

• Keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging due to retained water.
• Avoid using electrical appliances that may have been damaged by fire, heat or water.
• Do not use any electrical equipment/appliances while standing on wet carpet or floors.
• Avoid using televisions and other electrical appliances while standing on wet floors, particularly if the floor is concrete.
• If electricity is still on, do not enter rooms where standing water is present.

Recovery tips

• Call for professional help immediately. Prompt attention and proper clean up can help prevent further water damage, as well as bacteria or mold growth.
• In rooms where the ceiling is not sagging, but merely wet, remove fixtures so that wet wiring can dry.
• Mop or blot as much excess water as possible – spread out damp books to dry, wipe wooden furniture dry and prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying.

This section highlights examples of safety precautions that you can consider to help prepare yourself, others and your personal property for a disaster. Please recognize that a particular precaution may not be appropriate or effective in every circumstance. We encourage you to use your own good judgment about what's appropriate.