Many folks may not be fully prepared with the “normal” precautions that we must take in relation to the water pipes.

Come later this week our homes and businesses will start thawing out, that is when the trouble begins.

Here are some tips from Mike Ramey, manager of “To the Rescue!” a local Birmingham business that specializes in water damage restoration.

Stop the source!

Turn off main valve to the whole house if need be. Don’t know where or how? Now is the time to learn. Ask a spouse, plumber, the handy man neighbor, whomever. It will save you a lot of grief later, a few minutes saved may make gallons of water difference and subsequently the time it takes to clean it up.

check for SAFETY!

Turn off any breakers to the affected rooms and unplug any electrical appliances , until you know for certain they are safe. Watch your step, as mud and water can be slippery. Rescue the most valuable items , sentimental things first. In this situation, time is of the essence.

Protect your home from further damage.

Cover holes in roof. Move damageable items to higher ground. If it’s not possible to move large furniture, set up on wood blocks or Styrofoam, as rust and furniture marks are the hardest to remove from carpet. You can even wrap the legs with aluminum foil to prevent rust stains.

evaluate the situation.

How much got in the house?

If it is a small to medium amount and it is clean water (rain, or tap), then you can probably handle it, and if it only is effecting hard surfaces and floors.

Call your insurance agent if it is beyond your scope.

The faster you get going, the more you save, and there are fewer headaches for everybody.

A professional restoration company, like To The Rescue! uses professional equipment such as high-powered fans called turbo dryers, dehumidifiers, and test equipment to tell actually where and how much water got in. That is the only way to truly put the rooms back into pre-disaster condition, putting your and life back in order. When a major situation like this occurs, no one can twitch their and make it all magically , but a professional restoration company can help you through with a minimum of stress.

Keep pets and children away. You may be dealing with a health hazard especially if there is sewage!

A professional restoration company is a lifesaver in a situation like this. We hope that problems like this never happen to you. But if it does, be prepared and know that with proper equipment and knowledge, the situation can be corrected, and we will help you get through this.