Water damage is a serious problem and can lead to other major issues in your home, wreaking havoc on your family’s health.
When uncontrolled water gets into your property, it can potentially cause thousands and thousands of dollars in damage that can affect its structure and the contents inside. Being ready to handle water damage emergencies is one of the best lines of defense and knowing what to do (and what not to do) can really make a difference in these situations.
Continue reading to find out the dos and don’ts of water damage emergencies.
Water is essential to life. However, it also can destroy anything in its path, leaving you with a massive mess to clean up. Before you do anything else, safety needs to be your number one concern in situations involving water damage. Assess the situation carefully and determine if the property is still safe to remain in. Keep in mind, electricity, and water do not mix well. If necessary and possible, turn off the electricity or call your electrical company to do it from their end.
Another couple of things to remember is that water damage can cause slippery surfaces and that wet objects are much heavier than when they are dry. Be cautious and only do things that are safe for you to do.
What to Do Immediately After Finding Water Damage
If you find the situation to be safe, here’s what you should do immediately after finding water damage in your home:
- Call a trusted water damage restoration company
- Turn off the water main
- Before anything else, call your insurance company and take pictures of the damaged area
- If there’s been a flood, remove excess water with a wet vac, mop, or bucket
- Dry furniture to the best of your ability
- Prop up wet cushions and upholstery to dry
- Turn on fans and open windows to allow maximum drying in warmer months
- Remove dyed rugs from wet carpets
- Gather any of your loose belongings from the area
- Remove art, decor, and trinkets and place them in a safe location
What Not to Do Immediately After Finding Water Damage
Just as important as knowing what you should do, here’s what you shouldn’t do after finding water damage:
- Do not do the cleaning before you file a claim with your insurance company
- Do not leave books, magazines, or any other colored or dyed items on wet floors
- Do not forget to hang wet fabrics to dry, such as rugs, towels, and fur or leather items
- Do not use your household vacuum to remove excess water — make sure it’s a wet vac
- Do not turn on other household appliances
- Do not use ceiling fans or lights if your ceiling is wet
- Do not go in rooms where the ceilings are sagging
Contact Restoremasters
If your home in Northern Utah has suffered damage due to a fire, mold, or water damage, contact the industry experts at Restoremasters. Our knowledgeable and experienced technicians specialize in emergency and non-emergency restorations and are available 24/7 to help when you need it most. With over 100 years of combined restoration experience, our skilled team of professionals will restore your property the way it should be done. Contact Restoremasters today.
We serve Salt Lake City, Ogden, Tooele, and the surrounding cities in Utah.