In The Aftermath Of Water Damage: What Should You Do?

Experiencing water damage is one of those horrible things that you always assume is going to happen to someone else. You never think that you are going to be the one with burst pipes or a leaky foundation. But the truth is, water damage is the second most common reasons for insurance claims in the United States. In the unlikely event that you do have some water damage happen to your home, it is a good idea to know what to do.

Stop the Water

First things first! The team at Southeast Restoration recommends that you identify and close off the source of excess water. While an overflowing bathtub is an obvious source, leaky pipes may not be. Expert plumbers and water remediators have tons of practice finding leaks, clogs and broken pipes.

Call a water damage cleanup crew. Most restoration companies have an emergency line that is open 24/7 to take calls, so you don’t have to worry if you have a problem in the middle of the night. If you don’t know what to do from there, the restoration company will likely be able to give you a few tips on your specific problem; such as how to turn the water off to your home or what to do to protect your flooring, ceiling, or walls until they can arrive.

While Waiting For Help:

While you wait for the professionals, here are some things you can do to minimize additional damage and speed the cleanup process.

• If circuit breakers can be safely accessed, turn off power in all affected areas.
• If practical, mop up or blot the wet area with towels.
• Anything that could cause staining on wet carpets or floors, like books or newsprint items should be removed (especially Oriental rugs.)
• Remove all moisture sensitive items and store in a dry, safe place.
• Lift up draperies that have come into contact with wet carpeting.
• If the water is contaminated, avoid all contact with wet areas. Let the professionals with proper equipment deal with this.
• Do not spread water from room to room if the wet areas are clearly contaminated.
• Do not enter any room where there is an electric shock hazard possible from exposed outlets, switches, circuit breakers or equipment.
• Do not use any electrical appliances (including ceiling fixtures), while standing on wet carpet, concrete or flooring of any type.

Grab Your Camera

If it is safe to walk around, start documenting. You should make a detailed list of not only what structural damage may have been done to your home, but also a list of your belongings that may have been damaged: clothes, technology, furniture, etc.  

You should move your things to a safe, dry place. Don’t throw them away. A restoration company like Southeast Restoration can save a lot of things that you might consider too far gone.

Decontamination

Sewage water can contain microbes, viruses and harmful bacteria. Trapped moisture within a wall cavity can lead to mold, mildew, bacteria, and it can even compromise structural integrity. Containing and eliminating any dangerous waste is the first priority of a clean-up,

Dispose of damaged items responsibly. You will be tempted to throw everything into a dumpster: out of sight, out of mind. But by organizing damaged goods into piles of salvageable items, contaminated trash, and recyclables, you will help alleviate the pressure for local landfill sites.

Professional Help

Water damage can cause significant damage to your home. So hire a team with the training, experience, and equipment to properly and quickly extract and thoroughly dry your property following a flood. Southeast Restoration Group, (SRG) is a full service licensed general contractor with six locations that serve North and Central Georgia, plus portions of Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina. Please contact us for more information on how we can help.