While every effort will be made to respond to your back­up problem as quickly as possible, you should be aware of what to do while help is on the way:

• Avoid using toilets, sinks, showers, washing machines, dishwashers, etc. Since wastewater from these appliances has nowhere to go, your back­up will only get worse.

• Minimize contact with the wastewater backing up in your home. After the problem has been resolved, wash basement walls and floors with a disinfectant.

• Never operate or disconnect an electrical appliance or main fuse box while standing in water. Play it safe! Call your local electric utility if you need your power shut off to "protect" appliances.