Truly, one of the most frustrating things ever is water damage in your home. And not only that, it’s often very inconvenient for all the real damage to your property and well-being it causes.
Still, there’s a right way to handle such a situation, and here are 3 important steps for you.
Safety First
Water damage can result in electrical and safety hazards, so it’s crucial to prioritize safety to prevent injuries or accidents.
You want to locate the main electrical panel and switch off the circuit breakers – with a wooden stick or non-conductive object – if possible. Avoid electrical panels if they are in or near standing water. When it comes to gas, you don’t want to forget to shut off the supply valve.
Then, wearing rubber gloves and boots is really important, particularly when dealing with potentially contaminated water. This means minimizing the risk of direct contact with harmful substances. In fact, in instances of severe water damage or immediate threats, you don’t want to hesitate to evacuate the premises. Safety takes precedence, and returning only when it’s deemed safe is paramount.
Assess and Document the Damage
Grasping as well as documenting the extent of the damage is essential for planning and is crucial information for insurance claims. Identifying and documenting the water source, whether it’s a leak, flood, or other issues, means assisting professionals like emergency plumbers and contractors in helping you deal with the aftermath. And taking clear photos or videos of the affected areas – capturing damage to walls, floors, and belongings, is really valuable evidence for insurance claims as well.
For example, confronted with a roof leak, you want to strategically document yourself placing buckets to collect dripping water, utilizing towels to absorb excess moisture, and using plastic sheets to cover furniture; as well as plenty of pictures of water stains on the ceiling and any damaged belongings.
Contact Professionals
Water damage restoration experts can assess the situation, mitigate further damage, and offer guidance for a proper recovery process.
Of course, you want to reach out to reputable restoration services. Ask around for recommendations, or at the very least read online reviews so that you know you’re contacting a respected water damage restoration service for a professional assessment with the expertise and equipment required for the cleanup and restoration process.
For example, in the event of a burst pipe flooding your basement, you want to make contacting a competent water damage restoration company a priority because you want a team with the know-how to properly assess the damage, extract water using specialized equipment, and implement drying techniques to prevent mold growth so that there’s a comprehensive recovery process.
While endlessly frustrating, the consequences of water damage can be greatly mitigated, especially if the right steps are taken in the beginning. So keep these tips in mind.
2018 ·
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