Proper Cleanup After Katrina Can Minimize Water Damage

[Guest guest]

Press Release Source: Institute For Business & Home Safety

http://biz./prnews/050826/nyf039.html?.v=18

Proper Cleanup After Katrina Can Minimize Water Damage

Friday August 26, 10:44 am ET

TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- If Hurricane Katrina caused

leaks or flooding around your home or business, the Institute for

Business & Home Safety (IBHS) says proper cleanup will help minimize

the potential damage water can cause.

As soon as it's safe to enter damaged areas:

* Make sure the building is structurally safe to enter or

reoccupy.

* Turn off electrical power. Do not use electricity until it

is safe to

do so.

* Ensure that natural gas sources are safely secured.

* Secure the exterior to prevent further water intrusion. This

can

include boarding up broken windows, making temporary roof

repairs,

sealing cracks or tacking down plastic sheeting against open

gaps in

walls or roofs.

When it's safe to begin cleanup:

* Disconnect all electronics/electrical equipment and move it

to a safe,

dry location.

* Remove as much standing water as possible from inside the

building.

* Begin to remove water-damaged materials immediately and take

photos or

save samples of discarded items, such as carpets, for

insurance

purposes.

* Ventilate the home as best you can with fans and/or

dehumidifiers.

* Contact a water extraction company, if necessary, for

assistance.

By taking immediate action, you will limit the damage and increase

the chance of salvaging usable materials. You'll also reduce the

amount of rust, rot, mold and mildew that may develop, and lower the

likelihood that the water will lead to structural problems.

More information can be found on the IBHS web site

http://www.disastersafety.org. Visit the Water & Mold section to

view the " Water Damage Recovery Guide, " which has detailed cleanup

instructions. Request free single copies of any IBHS publication by

calling toll free (866) 657-4247.

IBHS is a national nonprofit initiative of the insurance industry to

reduce deaths, injuries, property damage, economic losses and human

suffering caused by natural disasters.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

-----------

Source: Institute For Business & Home Safety