Water damage in can be extensive and frustrating for anyone involved and can cause a lot of problems that will need to be dealt with right away to avoid any further damage from occurring to the property.
Read on for some valuable information to help with emergency water damage, so you are prepared and know what to expect.
Safety First
First things first. Make sure all people and pets are safe and out of the home and accounted for. Once this important step is done, you should then work on finding the main valve to shut off the water to the property. If you find that the main valve has a round handle, then turn the handle clockwise to shut off the water.
If the shut off valve is a lever, then move the lever, so it is perpendicular to the water line. Doing so will successfully shut off the water to the property.
If it is a possibility, then you may also want to consider shutting off the power to the property to avoid any electrical discharge that can cause further injury and damage.
To be safe, you should also avoid wading in any standing water because there may be pollutants present that you are not aware of. Depending on the damage, there may also be areas in which the water has destroyed the integrity of the property and could cause the floor to collapse in certain areas.
Remove all the Contents from the Property
Once everyone is safe, and the water and power have been shut off to the property, you can then begin to remove all the contents of the property that are salvageable. When doing so, you should utilize gloves, masks, and other protective clothing items so you can avoid any potential health problems due to the water damage.
Next, you will open all the doors and windows to begin to air out the property. If there is any chance of a sewage leak, refrain from using fans because a fan will spread pollutants and contaminants around the property.
Remove any items that are touching the floor and can be damaged by water, including curtains and furniture items. When finished, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly. This also means you will need to sanitize any cleaning utensils that were used during cleanup as well like mops and brooms, for example.
Avoid Further Cleanup Attempts
It is important to note, however, that before you begin any cleanup efforts, you need to assess the damage. You do not want to remove any evidence that may be needed to file an insurance claim. You may also want to take photos of the damage and carefully document all the details concerning the water damage.
If you choose to hire a reputable company to help with the water damage, then there are some things they may be able to help you with. If you find that you require additional assistance and want the advice of a professional, contact Disaster Response.
