Water Damage at Home? Follow These Best Practices!

12/8/2023 (Permalink)

Puddled water in home

Water damage can strike your home unexpectedly, and knowing how to respond promptly and effectively is crucial to minimizing the impact. In this blog post, SERVPRO® shares best practices to follow should your home sustain water damage, helping you take the right steps to protect your property and belongings.

1. Ensure Safety First:

• Before entering the affected area, ensure it's safe to do so. Turn off the power if necessary and be cautious of electrical hazards.

2. Stop the Water Source:

• If the water damage is caused by a plumbing issue or appliance leak, turn off the water supply to prevent further flooding.

3. Call SERVPRO:

• Contact SERVPRO immediately to assess the situation and start the water damage restoration process. Our experts are available 24/7 to provide rapid response and professional assistance.

4. Document the Damage:

• Take photos or videos of the water damage for insurance purposes. Document the affected areas and any damaged belongings.

5. Remove Excess Water:

• If it's safe to do so, use mops, towels, or a wet/dry vacuum to remove as much standing water as possible.

6. Protect Your Belongings:

• Move valuable items to a dry area to prevent further damage. Remove rugs and other items from wet flooring.

7. Promote Ventilation:

• Open windows and doors to encourage air circulation, which can help with drying.

8. Avoid Mold Growth:

• Mold can start to grow within 24-48 hours after water damage. Take steps to prevent mold growth by ensuring thorough drying and dehumidification.

9. Dispose of Damaged Items:

• Dispose of items that cannot be salvaged or thoroughly cleaned, as they may pose health risks.

10. Salvageable vs. Non-Salvageable:

• Allow SERVPRO technicians to determine which items are salvageable and which need to be replaced. We can provide professional cleaning and restoration services for salvageable items.

11. Don't Delay Repairs:

• Address structural damage and repairs promptly to prevent further deterioration and costly renovations.

12. Work with Your Insurance:

• Contact your insurance company and provide the necessary documentation and photos to initiate the claims process.

13. Prevent Future Damage:

• Identify the cause of the water damage and take steps to prevent it from happening again. This may include plumbing repairs or appliance maintenance.

14. Rely on Professionals:

• Trust SERVPRO's experienced technicians to handle the restoration process, from water extraction to drying, dehumidification, and mold remediation if necessary.

Conclusion:

Water damage can be a stressful and disruptive experience, but following these best practices can help mitigate the damage and ensure a smoother recovery process. Remember that SERVPRO is here to assist you with expert water damage restoration, so you can get your home back to its pre-damage condition quickly and efficiently. When in doubt, don't hesitate to contact our team for professional help and guidance.