Keep people and pets away
Avoid walking through or handling sewage-affected areas without appropriate protection. Children and pets should remain outside the impacted area.
Do not spread contamination
Moving wet items through clean parts of the home or using household equipment in a contaminated area can spread contamination. Isolate the affected area when possible.
Porous materials require careful evaluation
Carpet pad, drywall, insulation and other absorbent materials may not be appropriate to retain after sewage exposure. The exact scope depends on what was affected and the degree of contamination.
Drying follows cleaning and removal decisions
Once contaminated materials and surfaces are addressed, remaining structural materials still need to be dried to appropriate conditions before repairs are completed.
Talk through the situation by phone
Describe the source of the water, the affected area and whether the water is still entering the property.