Water damage from inclement weather or a burst pipe can be one of the most catastrophic events a homeowner will encounter. In the event of water damage, many of your belongings are most likely irreparable, the cleanup procedure can be laborious, and the risk of mold development can linger for weeks. But with quick action and an organized plan, 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 structures, wall surfaces, floors, and furnishings and causes mold growth. Fortunately, by adhering to the essential measures listed below, homeowners can minimize the effects of water damage in their homes.
1. Identify the Damage
Identifying the magnitude of the damage is the first stage in water damage recovery. Determine the scope by inspecting the affected locations. Additionally, watch out for any signs of mold growth, which poses a severe health hazard. 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 should switch off their electrical power and water supply. Wet electrical outlets raise the risk of a fire or an electrical short in the wiring behind the walls if the power is left on. If you notice that a fuse box has water in it or is overheating, it is vital that you seek professional guidance to prevent accidents. After turning off the power, those living there can safely disconnect and take out damaged appliances.
3. Ventilate the Home
If the house isn’t dried thoroughly, moisture may re-emerge. Direct airflow can be achieved by opening windows and doors to allow a cross breeze and using dehumidifiers and electric fans. Once power is restored, if it is safe to do so, leave the air conditioning system running continuously to remove moisture and dry out the house.
4. Sanitize and Clean the Home
After drying out the area, the following measure is to clean, sanitize and deodorize the walls, floorings, and personal belongings. Water damage can contain harmful microbes and likely will induce an unpleasant smell. You can use eco-friendly and safe cleaners to sanitize all objects that came in contact with water.
Some water restoration firms offer an odor removal service for personal items with a tough odor to help save important belongings. Check here to learn more about how professionals can assist you in addressing water damage in your home.
5. Fix the Damage
As soon as you finish cleaning and sanitizing your home, most of the work involved in recovering from water damage can be done by you as long as you are prepared to put in a great deal of time and effort. However, many homeowners will hire to call a water damage remediation company for support because of the nature of the work and the mold risk. For more details on water damage restoration services and how these professionals can help, you may check the full info here.
Conclusion
Recovering from water damage can be a challenging and time-consuming procedure. However, if you move quickly and comply with the above actions, you can reduce the damage and avoid further issues. However, if the damage is severe and you are unsure about the repair procedure, hire a professional water damage restoration company to fix and restore your home to its pre-damage state.
