CAI-NJ Feb 2022

MITIGATION TIPS • Take the greatest caution while entering your home, and wear sturdy shoes and protective clothing when dealing with flooded areas. Always wear protective clothing. • Take photos or video to record conditions of contents and structure. Make sure images clearly record damage. • Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. • Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items. • Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying. • Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting. • Remove any paintings, art objects, documents, and other sensitive materials to a safe, dry place. • Place fans at 45-degree angles to walls and move large furniture away from walls to create the best air circulation • Appoint a media liaison to report conditions and need for help/volunteers. You may have to limit access to contents. • Do not enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist. • Do not attempt to operate any electrical equipment while standing in wet or damp locations. • Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors to cause stain- ing. • Do not leave Oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall-to-wall carpets to cause staining. • Do not use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors. • Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water. • Do not turn on heat unless required for human comfort. • Do not move objects or contents without documenting their condition. • Throw away all foods – even canned goods – that have come into contact with flood waters. • If your home has a crawlspace, be aware excess moisture in this area can often foster mold growth.

“Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water”

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