Do's and Dont's of Water Damage

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can be the cause of many issues throughout your home, whether affecting floors, walls, or damaging personal items. It would make sense that once a homeowner experiences a flood or leak, the initial thought may be to immediately begin taking care of the issue. While limiting the amount of damage and items affected in the home is the ultimate goal, it truly does take a professional damage restoration company to manage such a situation. Lack of understanding of the water damage restoration process, water categories, or needed equipment may simply exacerbate any damage that has already occurred. After any emergency damage, there are a number of tips of what to do or what not to do.

Upon the first sign of water damage, DO:

• Turn off water, if possible.
• Identify source, if possible.
• Remove and secure any dry sensitive, high-value items.
• Call a damage restoration company.
• Call your insurance company.

While waiting for assistance, DON’T:

• Try drying the water up yourself. Water comes in three different categories based on its source. Wiping up a category 2 or 3 with your personal towels may not be ideal.
• Try vacuuming up any water, even with a wet vacuum.
• Use any appliances or electrical outlets until it has been deemed safe to do so. Based on the size of the leak or flood, unless a professional assesses the entire house, there is no knowing where water has touched and where it has not.
• Open any windows or turn on a fan to dry things out. With tons of moisture present, the chances of mold growing are high; fans and open windows may kick up spores.
• Use or touch any items that have been contaminated by the water. Again, based on the category of water, touching wet items may not a good idea health-wise.
• Walk around in the wet areas. Aside from a potential safety hazard, this may spread more damage than intended.
• Turn the HVAC system on or off as adjusting air temperatures may extend damage.

Professional water damage restoration companies exist for a reason. They have the training, skills, equipment, and experience to handle any damage done by water, mold, or fire. They know what to look for, how to classify the damage and determine the extent of loss.

A restoration company’s job is to mitigate as much damage as possible, while protecting the home and the customer’s safety and health.