6 Immediate Steps to Take After Your Home Has Water Damage

Water damage can range from a small spot of waterlogged cabinet materials beneath a sink to major catastrophic structural problems. In Kalamazoo and the surrounding areas, no property is safe from water damage that occurs due to storms or faulty plumbing. Taking these six actions can halt the damage from worsening while you begin the cleanup process.

1- Call for Water Restoration Services

Water restoration services include everything you need to quickly restore your property’s sanitation and safety. Professionals also have equipment such as vacuums and fans that work more efficiently than the items you might have around the house. With water restoration services, you can also plan for mold mitigation to ensure that the flooding doesn’t create lingering problems.

2- Assess Your Safety Before Entering the Space

Walking into standing water can be dangerous if there is electricity present. Flooding that comes in from outdoors could also allow hazardous chemicals and snakes in the water to get inside. Start by making sure that water isn’t near any electrical appliances or wiring. Then, consider wearing protective gear to keep dirty water away from your skin, mouth, and nose.

3- Move Dry Times to a Safe Place

Fortunately, many floods don’t reach every surface. If you spot dry items, then now is a good time to remove them to a safe location where they won’t soak up any damage. If possible, move them outside to help air and sunlight remove any moisture that might have accumulated.

4- Begin Drying Out Waterlogged Materials

If possible, take movable furniture and mattresses outside where the sun’s UV rays can help reduce the chances of mold and mildew growth. For walls, carpets, and cabinetry, it is best to open up the windows and use fans to begin the evaporative process. If you find items that aren’t possible to save, then throwing them out gets them out of your way and the water restoration professionals’ way.

5- Check for Signs of Mold

Mold can start growing within the same day of the water-related catastrophe. If you detect a musty odor, then it’s possible that mold or mildew is starting to grow. Finding black, brown, or green spots is also a sign of mold growth. You’ll want to use caution removing these materials if you have allergies or other health concerns.

6- Reach Out to Your Insurance Company

Taking pictures of the damage before the cleanup happens can help you with filing a claim. You’ll also want to call your insurance company as soon as possible, since water damage claims can take time. This is especially true if your community was hit by foul weather that causes a flood of calls to your insurance company. You can also use this time as an opportunity to find out any details you might need to use for the cleanup, such as a quote for the water damage restoration services.

Taking prompt action can help you preserve your belongings and minimize the cost of restoration. Making sure a professional handles the final steps of the restoration process also ensures that mold doesn’t continue to grow unseen. As a final note, remember to take pictures of the final results that you can use for future insurance claims if you encounter another water-related emergency.