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5 Steps To Take After Water Damage to Your House
Water damage can happen quickly, whether from a burst pipe, a leaky roof, or unexpectedly severe weather. Dealing with the aftermath of a water event may feel overwhelming, but knowing what to do after water damage strikes can help you minimize long-term issues and keep repair costs to a minimum.
On that note, here are five essential steps after discovering minor or extensive flood water damage in your home.
Step 1: Ensure Everyone’s Safety First
Before anything else, prioritize and check on the safety of everyone in your home. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, so it’s essential to turn off the power before entering areas affected by water. However, if turning off the power requires walking through water, it’s better to wait for a professional rather than risk injury.
It’s also essential to wear protective gear such as rubber boots and gloves if you need to re-enter a flooded area. Water from burst pipes or sewage backups can contain bacteria and other harmful substances.
If the damage is severe or the water level is high, the best course of action might be to evacuate the home until it’s deemed safe.
Step 2: Stop the Water Source
Once everyone is safe, the next step is identifying and stopping the water source to prevent further damage. If the water damage is due to a visible plumbing issue, such as a broken pipe or malfunctioning appliance, immediately turn off the main water supply.
If the problem is a leaking roof or construction defect, try to contain the water as best as possible until professionals can assess and repair the issue.
Step 3: Document the Damage
Before attempting any cleanup or water damage repair, be sure to do the following:
- Document the extent of the damage.
- Take clear photos and videos of all affected areas, including walls, floors, furniture, and personal belongings.
- If you have any before-and-after photos, keep those for reference as well.
Proper documentation can speed up the claims process and ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to for water damage repair and restoration.
Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company
Inform your homeowner’s insurance company of the water event as soon as possible. Provide them with the photos, videos, and itemized lists you created to help the claims adjuster assess the damage more accurately.
Remember that different types of water damage may or may not be covered by insurance. For example, while flood water damage from natural events like hurricanes might not be included without flood insurance, damage caused by plumbing or sewage backups often is. Confirm the specifics of your coverage and follow any guidelines your insurer provides for restoration work.
Step 5: Contact Professional Restoration Services
After contacting your insurance company, don’t delay getting help from a professional restoration company. Water damage drying should begin as soon as possible because mold growth can start within 72 hours of exposure to moisture. The quicker you get experts on-site, the sooner they can assess the damage and begin restoration.
What a Professional Water Damage Company Can Do For You
When you contact a restoration company in Suffolk County, they’ll assess the damage and create a plan to restore your home to its pre-damage condition. Depending on your situation, they may assist with the following services:
- Water Extraction and Drying: Experts remove standing water from affected areas and use fans and dehumidifiers to accelerate the water damage drying process and prevent further issues.
- Flood Water Damage Cleanup: This involves cleaning and sanitizing affected areas after flooding to prevent bacteria, mold, and other contaminants from causing long-term problems.
- Ceiling and Wall Water Cleanup: Water can seep into ceilings and walls and cause hidden damage, so professionals identify and address any water buildup in these areas to prevent structural damage.
- Removal of Damaged Components and Materials: Severely damaged materials like drywall, insulation, and carpet padding are removed to prevent mold and mildew.
- Water Damage Repair: Once the affected areas are dry, repairs can begin. This might include replacing damaged flooring, drywall, and other materials.
A swift response is critical to preventing mold growth and long-term complications. If you’re dealing with water damage in Suffolk County, don’t wait – call Restoration 1 today. When you need expert assistance on what to do after water damage, we’re here to guide you through the entire process until your home is back to normal.
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