5 Steps to Take After Water Damage
Right up there with fire damage, water damage falls into that list of things you hope you never need to deal with. Water damage could be just as dangerous not only because of structural damage but also due to electricity in your home. Here are a few steps you should take after experiencing water damage.
Shut off your electric
Electricity and water do not mix...ever! Before entering an area with standing water, assess if it is safe for you to make it to your breaker box. If you don't know, then it is always best to assume it isn't a good idea.
Stop the water source
Seek out where the water is entering your home. If it is minor such as a pipe under a sink or something similarly small, you can simply wrap the pipe and find the shut-off for that specific area. If it is larger like a pipe behind a wall or a pipe burst, you will need to find the main shutoff for your home and contact a plumber immediately.
Contact your insurance and a restoration company
If the damaged area is large, contact a restoration company like Go AGRADE right away to begin the dry out process and help mitigate mold issues. While they are on their way contact your home insurance to begin the claims process for resulting damages.
Take pictures
To help with the damage claims, take pictures of all the damage the water has caused in your home. This will help show your insurance adjusters everything that was affected.
Remove the water
As long as it has been deemed safe to do so, begin the water removal process. Using common items such as cloths, mops, and wet vacs try to remove as much standing water as possible. If the area is too large for you to handle with household tools, leave the clean-up to the professionals.
