Water damage is one of those things that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. It’s best to know the proper steps you should take before you ever need to take them! But if you’re stumbling upon this blog in the midst of a water damage disaster, take a deep breath and then follow these steps.
First, be safe. If there is standing water anywhere in your home, switch off your electricity at the breaker box. You might also need to shut off the gas supply.
We recommend that you do not wade into any areas of standing water, due to various risks. But if you do, wear sturdy waterproof boots to protect your feet from unseen objects.
Call your homeowner’s insurance representative. They will take a report of the damage and help you to understand the next steps in the process. You need to understand the limits of your homeowner’s insurance policy, and what will and will not be covered. Your insurance company will schedule a claims adjuster to visit your home in the near future.
Take pictures. Take pictures of the damage right away, including any personal possessions that were not salvageable. If you have receipts or other proof of ownership of those items, gather that proof while you wait on your claims adjuster.
Salvage furniture, if possible. If the flooding is recent, you might be able to save your furniture by placing it on risers or removing it to a dry room. Also remove any other items that are valuable and might be at risk of water or mold damage.
Open windows and doors and turn on fans (if you have electricity). Moving air through the home will help everything to dry faster and can prevent mold and mildew.
Call a restoration company. We will visit your property, assess the damages, and begin the cleanup process. In most cases you will need multiple large dryers, and mold evaluation should be performed to ensure that your home remains a healthy environment. After your claims adjuster views the damage and makes his report, we can assist with other services as needed.