How to Handle a Water Damage Situation

7/24/2017 (Permalink)

How to Handle a Water Damage Situation

Water damage is one of the most devastating emergencies that can occur in a home or business. A flooded home business can cause significant damage to a structure and valuables.

Water damage happens fast and furiously when there is a pipe break, supply line break, roof leak or when flood waters come. Ceilings, carpeting, walls, wood floors, baseboards and personal possessions can be damaged or destroyed in a matter of minutes.

Being prepared to deal with a flooded home or water in home or business damage is about knowing what steps to take when it happens and acting fast to stop the source of water in home or flood damage, protect occupants and belongings, then begin the tedious and time-consuming task of cleaning up the affected area.

Here are the main steps for dealing with a flooded home or water in business emergency.

1. Call A Restoration Company

When you're dealing with water in home or water in business, you want to be sure you're reaching out to the professionals. There’s a lot at stake in a flooded home or water in business crisis, which means that it is critical to call a flood damage professional or company as soon as possible.

Professionals are available and will respond quickly to provide efficient water cleanup, drying and sanitization and restoration of the property. Professionals will handle the mitigation process for the business or home owner, quickly. They have the right training and proper tools and equipment to address any pipe break or supply line break, remove excess water and get everything back to normal.

2. Stop the Water Flow

The causes of water or flood damage in a business or home include a pipe break, a supply line break, pressurized water line, or a burst hot water tank. Knowing where the water shutoffs are located is crucial for immediately stopping the water flow and preventing further damage. While waiting for the mitigation team to arrive, you should locate the main water supply and shut it off.

3. Think Safety

Shutting off all electrical sources is critical and this can be done by unplugging devices or snapping the circuit breakers. Water is a good electrical conductor and a water in home or water in business situation could easily create a serious shock. Making sure everyone is safely away from the flooded area is crucial.

4. Protect Precious Valuables

Water-soaked items quickly begin to rot. Remove or raise possessions, including boxes and furniture, from the flood water. It is recommended to remove your highest risk belongings and safety put them in an area with warm, moving air. Removing carpeting or other flooring materials, door moldings and baseboards are best left to restoration professionals to handle.

5. Contact Your Insurance Company

It is important to contact your insurance provider and find out how the water cleanup and restoration will be approached. Insurance company representatives who specialize in water cleanup and mitigation can expert advice and proper guidance on water damage coverage. Trying to handle your own water cleanup and mitigation may compromise your insurance policy, leaving you with huge expenses.

6. Work With A Restoration Company

Work with a water cleanup crew to remove standing water, clean up water in business or flooded home and ensure successful drying of the structure and contents. Restoration professionals have the skills, drying techniques and state-of-the-art equipment like pumps, dehumidifiers and air movers to remove flood water and moisture. They use remote cameras, hygrometers and moisture detectors, which enable them to find trapped residual water.

Summing Up

When flood damage occurs in a business or home, due to supply line break, pipe break or other fixture or pluming problem, an experienced restoration company can handle the water cleanup and drying and restore the property to its preloss state. It is important to call a restoration company as soon as possible to have the source of the flooded home or water in business dealt with appropriately. Visit http://www.SERVPROfallbrooksouthoceanside.com for more information on water damage.