One of the most relevant issues that can arise in your house is the damage due to water. Uncontrolled water may wreak havoc on your property if swift actions are not taken to resolve the problem, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in structural damage as well as the cost of repair.
What do you do in case of an emergency?
Although no homeowner is ever completely prepared for any emergency resulting in water damage, it is vital to react swiftly to a crisis of this nature when it arises. If your home is amid water damage, the following are the five quick steps you must take. Click here to learn more.
Stop Water Flow
If you can, find and stop the flow of water into the vicinity of your home to stop further water damage. Make sure you locate your shutoff valves for water if you aren’t sure which ones are. Usually, water damage in the house is caused by leaks in the water lines or heater failures. Flooding from the outside can also cause water damage, which is why, if aware of a possible storm, ensure you take the appropriate precautions to shield your house from water infiltration.
Secure Your Safety
After stopping and removing the water flow, shut off all electrical outlets in the affected areas. Water is a potent conductor of electricity, putting your family and you in danger if the normal electrical flow is allowed.
Switch off all affected circuits if you can enter the circuit breaker panel. Unplug all electrical appliances in each affected room. If you suspect flooding is imminent, immediately evacuate all household members and pets. Even if the damage resulted from something as small as a dripping pipe or a burst water heater, it is still essential to ensure that pets and children are in a secure area if they get injured from the water.
Protect Your Valuables
If it’s safe to stay in your house, ensure that your possessions are protected by separating them from areas that are flooded or soaked with water. Certain items that are saturated with water can develop mold and if you have expensive furniture, take it from the site immediately to prevent future decay. Additionally, get rid of electronics and other costly objects that might be damaged.
Communicate With Your Insurance Provider
Contact your insurance provider promptly to report the damage and determine how they will handle repairs and restoration. You must check for your coverage under your policy, the deductible, and filing deadlines to file a claim successfully. Take photos of the damage and take an inventory of damaged items. Make the appointment of an adjuster who can assess the amount of the damage and estimate the expense of repairs. Save all receipts and detailed records for future information.
Contact the Experts
In the end, do not undertake water damage restoration on your own. Remediating water damage safely and efficiently requires using specialist tools and techniques to which only experts with certification have access. Improperly performed restoration will eventually lead to mold growth and damage, resulting in more significant repair costs in the future. Please don’t risk it; call your local specialists on mold damage restoration immediately.
