Water damage can be a devastating event, but it is important to act quickly to minimize the extent of the damage. ### Immediate Actions After Water Damage 1. **Turn off the water source:** If possible, turn off the main water valve to stop the flow of water. 2. **Open doors and windows:** Ventilate the area to allow moisture to escape. 3. **Remove any wet belongings:** Remove all wet fabrics, furniture, and other belongings from the affected area. 4. **Cover affected surfaces:** Protect walls, floors, and furniture from further water damage by covering them with plastic or tarps. 5. **Call a water damage cleanup professional:** Contact a qualified water damage cleanup company as soon as possible to assess the damage and begin the cleanup process. ### What Not to Do After Water Damage 1. **Do not use fans or heaters:** Using fans or heaters can spread mold spores and increase the damage. 2. **Do not remove wet walls or ceilings:** Attempting to remove wet walls or ceilings can cause further damage. 3. **Do not wait to call a professional:** Water damage can spread quickly and worsen over time. Do not hesitate to contact a professional for assistance. 4. **Do not attempt to clean up large amounts of water:** If the water damage is extensive, do not attempt to clean it up yourself. Contact a professional for safe and effective cleanup. 5. **Do not use strong chemicals:** Using strong chemicals can damage surfaces and pose a health hazard.