Water damage from inclement weather or a burst pipe can be one of the most catastrophic events a homeowner will face. In the event of water damage, most of your valuables are likely irreparable, the cleaning procedure can be laborious, and the risk of mold growth can linger for weeks. But with speedy action and an organized strategy, you can recover from water damage as hassle-free as possible by getting off on the right foot.
Essential Measures to Take After Water Damage
Water damage in a home can cause devastating financial and emotional losses. It can ruin foundations, walls, floors, and furnishings and causes mold development. Fortunately, by following the essential measures listed below, homeowners can minimize the effects of water damage in their houses.
1. Identify the Damage
Identifying the extent of the damage is the first stage in water damage recovery. Determine the scope by inspecting the affected locations. Additionally, watch for any indications of mold growth, which poses a severe health risk. To support your insurance claim, take photos of the water damage as evidence.
2. Cut off the Electricity and Water Supply
When it’s safe to do so, homeowners must switch off their electrical power and water supply. Wet outlets raise the risk of a fire or an electrical short in the wiring behind the wall surfaces if the power is left on. If you spot that a fuse box has water in it or is overheating, it is vital that you seek professional assistance to avoid accidents. After turning off the power, those living there can safely disconnect and remove damaged home appliances.
3. Ventilate the Home
If the house isn’t dried out thoroughly, moisture may reappear. Direct airflow can be attained by opening windows and doors to allow for a cross breeze and by making use of dehumidifiers and electric fans.
When power is restored, if it is safe to do so, leave the air conditioning system running continuously to remove moisture and dry the house. It is also recommended to contact a water mitigation company for professional assistance in drying out your home and preventing further damage.
4. Sanitize and Clean the Home
After drying the area, the following step is cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing the walls, floorings, and personal valuables. Water damage can contain hazardous germs and likely will induce an unpleasant smell. You can use eco-friendly and safe cleaners to disinfect all objects that came into contact with water. Some water restoration companies offer an odor removal service for personal items with a strong odor to help save important belongings.
5. Fix the Damage
Once you finished cleaning and disinfecting your house, most of the work associated with recovering from water damage can be done by you as long as you are prepared and open to put in a great deal of time and effort. However, lots of homeowners will hire a full-service property restoration service for support because of the nature of the work and the mold risk associated with it.
Conclusion
Recovering from water damage can be a challenging and time-consuming procedure. However, if you move quickly and follow the actions described above, you can minimize the damage and avoid further issues. Having said that, if the damage is serious and you need clarification on the restoration procedure, work with a professional water damage restoration firm to repair and restore your home to its pre-damage state.
