Floods or other water damage are an unpleasant and worrying environment in any home. Still, quick action will reduce the chances of additional harm to the structure and contribute to controlling mold growth. Here are some steps to take when you experience water damage.
Shut off the water source
The first thing you are supposed to do when facing a water damage event is stop the water flow. It means closing the main supply of water into your property so that the water flow has to stop and you avoid further problems. This step is crucial as water will likely seep into the floors, walls, and personal effects, causing much damage. The inability to manage the water flow will enable one to block the water supply to the building and start estimating the extent of damages. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the position of your principal supply shut-off valve in your house so that you can turn off the water supply when needed. If you cannot find where the water is coming from or turn the water off, call a plumber for a fix.
Turn off electricity
Switching off electricity is one of the measures that can be taken once water damage is noticed. Electricity and water are a fatal mix and can lead to severe electrical shock or even fatalities. Hence, the electricity supply should be switched off in the affected regions to prevent electrical mishaps. That is done by accessing the circuit breaker area and switching off the circuit breakers that supply power to the particular region. If you are in doubt regarding which circuit breakers to switch off or if the circuit breaker box is submerged in water, then it is advisable to seek the services of a qualified electrician to pull the switch off. You should wait to turn the power on back immediately when you finish work since it might be dangerous, without having a professional to give the green light to the electrical system.
Remove excess water
Drying is one of the processes that should be done at the initial stages of water damage. The longer the water remains stagnant, the more harm it poses to the structures within the home and your possessions. Hence, the body needs to get rid of excess water immediately. This step may be done by mops, towels, or the wet/dry vacuum cleaner that must be available to clean the above area. In the case of heavy flooding, water must be removed using a pump, industrial vacuums, or other appropriate tools. Afterward, you should ensure the area is dried out as much as possible to avoid mold growth and other damage. Suppose you have suffered massive water damage. In that case, hiring a professional water damage restoration company is advisable to ensure that all the water is removed and the restoration process is initiated.
Move furniture and belongings
Transportation of furniture and other possessions should also be carried out in the course of managing Water Damage situations. It can spread quickly, soiling some of your belongings and furniture. Consequently, to avoid further harm, transferring them from the damaged zone is necessary. The best thing to do is to take them out of the room and place them in a dry area like a garage or outside if the conditions are favorable. Sometimes, the furniture being moved needs to be bigger, or the damage may be pervasive and require the services of a professional moving company. When people relocate their furniture and other belongings, they should always check their state and make necessary repairs as soon as possible.
Use fans and dehumidifiers
Fans and dehumidifiers should be employed as measures to be implemented when handling water damage. Once the excess water has been removed from the affected area, the area should be dried out as soon as possible. Air-moving devices like fans and dehumidifiers can also help circulate the air in the affected area and ensure that the moisture does not support mold growth and other secondary damage. The fans should be positioned in the affected area and directed towards the wet areas to create a flow of air to dry the affected areas, and the dehumidifiers should be used to remove excess moisture from the air. The drying process must also be observed, and the location and number of fans and dehumidifiers must be changed correspondingly. If the water damage is severe, it may be advisable to consult a professional water damage restoration company, as they can effectively restore the area to its normal state and dry out any remaining water.
Call a professional restoration company
One of the things that must be considered in case of water damage- is to call a professional restoration company. A professional restoration company has the knowledge and tools to evaluate loss and correctly offer the right restoration services. They can quickly determine the severity of the disaster, the scope, and the repair method, and they can start the process immediately. Services may include Water extraction, drying, moisture removal, mold cleaning and treatment, and restoration of structures. A professional restoration company can also accompany you to an insurance company so that you can file for a claim and property restoration. One must ensure that the restoration work is done by a professional and experienced restoration firm so that the work can be done as required.
Document the damage
Photographic evidence of the damage is beneficial when handling water damage. However, any restoration should be preceded by an assessment and documentation of the level of damage in toke claims on insurance. That includes using a mobile or Camera to capture images of the unwanted incident area and any furniture, belonging, or structure affected. Documentation is another issue, as the claimant should keep communication records with insurance companies, restoration companies, or any other professionals involved in restoration work. Documentation will make it easy to follow the insurance claims process and ensure the insurance company adequately compensates for your damage. Call a professional restoration company for the documentation so that it can be done correctly and efficiently.
Contact your insurance company
If you are dealing with water damage, contact your insurance provider. In some cases, the insurance policy will cover the costs of restoring the property to its former state. Your insurance company should be informed as soon as possible so they can start the damage claim. Be ready to describe the assessment in terms of the degree of damage, factors leading to damage, and actions taken on the claimant's side to prevent further damage. Your insurance company will then send an adjuster to evaluate the situation and review the scope of your insurance benefit. Documentation of your insurance company includes e-mail, phone calls, or even letters you have had with the insurance company. Documenting the event will help you get adequate compensation for the loss.
Avoid using damaged appliances
Another measure to be taken when addressing water damage is not to use appliances that were affected by the water. Water affects electrical appliances, which can be devastating, and it is also dangerous for electrical appliances not to be checked and corrected before they are used. Any appliances affected by water should not be used as this may cause more damage. Suppose there is any evidence of electrical appliances that have been affected. In that case, the power supply in that region should be discontinued, and the appliances should be looked at by a technician later. Applying your current appliances may lead to a fire risk or cause additional harm to the specific appliance and, therefore, incur more expenses to repair or replace it. Care must be taken when using electrical appliances in the affected area, so it is advised to take all appliances through professional vetting before they are used.
Be patient
Patience is a significant aspect that must be observed when handling water damage. It is an agitated and frustrating situation, but much attention should be paid to identifying all the damages and the plan for their elimination. When the restoration work is done in haste, the individuals involved may do a lousy job or even worsen the situation, which will be costly to rectify. You should always include experts in water damage and follow their suggestions for repairing the affected area. Patients should also be encouraged to allow adequate time for drying to occur. That may take several days or weeks, depending on the severity of the wound. These lead to mold growth and more loss, again a serious problem because it takes more time to clean up and is expensive. If you are not hasty and stick to a laid-down restoration plan, the water damage can be remedied, and your home or business can return to it before the damage.
