13 Jan 5 Immediate Steps to Properly Handle a Water Damage Emergency
Water damage is one of the most dangerous emergencies your property can face. Water damage can cause irreparable and grave danger to your property and safety.
To avoid property damage, it is important to act quickly in an emergency.
It is possible to reduce water damage over the long-term by taking immediate action
It is important to have a plan in place for handling any emergency situation at your home, office or commercial property. This will enable you to stop any further damage. Property disasters can only get worse if you don’t act fast.
It can be overwhelming and difficult to manage a disaster at home if you don’t plan ahead. You should plan in advance to be ready for any emergency. This will allow you to quickly and painlessly get your property back on its feet after an emergency.
These steps will help you to get your property and life back on track following a water-related disaster.
Protect yourself and your belongings
Water damage in any form can lead to serious health problems. Here are some ways you can protect yourself from water damage:
- By unplugging the circuit breaker and switching it off, you can turn off electricity.
- Evacuate any area at risk of flooding until authorities give you permission to return.
- For re-entry to the property, protective clothing and rubber gloves should be worn.
- Keep the most valuable items, such as electronic devices or documents.
Stop water damage
It is important to identify the source of damage in order to prevent future damage. These are the steps:
- Water damage is most commonly caused by a burst pipe or hot water tank leak. It is important to know where your shut-off valves are located and ensure that you use them.
- If flooding is likely, preventive measures such as ditching and sandbagging can be taken.
- A professional can fix a leaky ceiling.
- Look out for moldy odors and discolored ceilings.
Contact your insurance company
Your insurance company may be a valuable resource for helping you through an emergency. These tips will assist you in filing a claim quickly.
- Call your insurance company as soon as you notice the damage.
- Get a claims adjuster on-site as soon as possible to assess the damage, and to estimate the cost of repairs.
- Photograph all affected areas, and any valuables.
- Keep accurate records. Keep receipts.
Get Dry!
Mold and mildew can be virtually eliminated by drying your property within 24 hours.
- Lift wet furniture from flood areas and move it if possible.
- Place aluminum foil between the legs to prevent carpet staining.
- Hang rugs in storage to dry.
- Fans or dehumidifiers can be used to dry wet areas.
- Turn your air conditioner on to remove humidity
- Professional grade equipment is not impossible for restoration companies.
You can have your property cleaned and restored
Water damage can make it difficult to repair the damage. It is important to hire professionals to repair water damage. It’s a smart idea to hire professional Long Beach Water Damage Restoration Experts to assist you with water damage repair. These are just a few of the guidelines to remember.
- You can salvage as much as you can, and throw away anything that is too damaged or unsafe.
- You may need to remove drywall, insulation and flooring in order to prevent mold growth.
- It is possible for moisture to seep into hard-to-reach areas. Professionals who are equipped with the proper equipment such as remote cameras and moisture detectors should be hired.
- For damaged property such as documents and electronics, seek professional advice. They can often be restored using specialized equipment.