If you’ve experienced flooding in your home, then you know that it is catastrophic because of the damage that it will cause. But you need to know that you are not the only one to deal with water damage. If you have experienced water damage, you need to speak to a water damage restoration company to help in restoring water damaged areas. There are several causes of flooding in your home. Some of them include burst faucets, appliance malfunction, heavy rains, etc.
If you don’t know what to do when you encounter water damage, here are steps you should follow.
Get in Touch with the Insurance Firm
As the homeowner, the insurance will help you depending on the policy you have. Most insurance companies will send someone to assess the situation and decide what to do. You need to know each item’s value and have photos of the damage before, during, and after everything has been handled. If you do so, the information will be crucial to the adjuster if he or she comes to evaluate the damage. They may suggest working with a reliable restoration company that will assist you with the restoration and clean-up.
Safety
The crucial step you need to take after a calamity like water damage is to ensure you and your loved ones are safe. There are a couple of things you can do to make sure people are safe.
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Switch off the electricity
It is a well-known fact that water and electricity don’t mix. But if you have to switch off power in an area where it is wet, you should get in touch with an experienced electrician. Don’t make the mistake of entering a flooded house before switching off the electricity.
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Put on Protective Clothing
Make sure you wear protective clothing such as boots, rubber boots, and gloves when you enter a flooded house. You will not get into contact with water that has bacteria.
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Protect Your Belongings
If you want to prevent staining your carpet, you can lift your furniture and put foil to protect it. Also, you can remove the rugs that might be lying around on your wet floors. If the flood has caused severe damage, you may have to leave the house. Ensure it is safe before you get back to your home and deal with the restoration process.
Begin the Clean-up Process
If you can, the clean-up process should begin 24 to 48 hours after it is safe to get into your home. In several cases, the damage may be too costly for one individual or the family. You can get assistance from a reputable restoration service so that everyone is safe and the damage is handled. If you choose to start the drying process, you need to ensure that you have protective clothing. Choose what should be saved and eliminate the trash. Be aware that you might find yourself removing drywall and flooring to stop mold from reaching other areas. The furniture may need to be dried.
Ensure the Home is Dry
After the water has been removed, you will have to deal with damp items, especially if it is in a humid region. If you still have electricity, you can take advantage of the air conditioner to remove the wetness. There are floor fans that you can buy if you want to dry the damp areas in your home. Ensure you know what you are doing. It can’t get too dry if you’re going to stop mold from reoccurring. If you need help, you can get in touch with a professional restoration company to ensure the restoration process is successful. Time is crucial, and some studies have shown that working with a professional will prevent unnecessary problems.
Inspect for Mold
If you are dealing with floods, you will have to deal with mold after 24 hours. Once mold has started growing, you will find it challenging to eliminate it. If you move your items faster, you will prevent them from getting damaged. If you don’t act quickly, you will have to deal with mold. You should reach out to a professional if you don’t know what to do.
Start Home Restoration
Water damage repair in your home will take a long time. But if you want the restoration to be successful, you need to reach out to a restoration service. The walls and floors will have to be replaced. If construction is required, reach out to a construction company.
