Water damage to your home can occur from many sources- floods, heavy rains, faulty sump pumps or appliance overflows. These disasters require fast action to repair the damage and prevent further problems. If you experience water damage in your home, here are some helpful tips to reduce damages and increase the chances of a successful water damage restoration.
Water Damage to DO:
- Shut off the source of water. Many insurance companies won't cover the damage if a leak continues for an extended period of time. If a leak is ignored for too long, the insurance company may deny the claim because of negligence.
- Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas when access to the electrical panel is safe from electrical shock.
- Take a picture of the origin of the problem that led to the water damage. Taking pictures, or even video is especially important if repairs are begun before an adjuster has seen the damage.
- Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
- Use dehumidifiers if available.
- Use fans to circulate air and assist with drying.
- Keep a sample of the damaged materials including carpets, flooring, or other damaged areas, and don't throw them away until an adjuster has seen them.
- Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings.
- Prop up wet furniture cushions and place small wood blocks or aluminum foil under furniture legs.
- Lift curtains and draperies off the wet carpet by looping the fabric through a coat hanger and placing the coat hanger on the curtain rod.
- Move photos, paintings, decorations, and other sensitive materials to a safe, dry location.
- Open drawers, closets, and cabinet doors to enhance drying.
- Spread out wet items to dry.
- If water is contaminated, avoid all contact with water and contaminated items and wash hands thoroughly if contact is made.
Water Damage NOT to do:
- Use an ordinary household vacuum cleaner to remove water.
- Use electrical appliances while on wet carpet or wet floor.
- Go into rooms with standing water if electricity is still on.
- Lift tacked-down carpet without professional help - it could promote damage and delamination.
- Disturb mold if it is visible.
- Leave books, newspapers, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors to cause staining.
- Turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
- If water is contaminated, don't spread the problem by walking on damaged or wet areas.
- If water is contaminated, don't turn on the HVAC system or use household fans to dry the structure.
If you experience water damage in your Worcester home don't let it control your life. Use these helpful tips to take proper action until help arrives. Since damage from water and bacteria growth can begin within hours call the water damage experts at ServiceMaster Dynamic Cleaning 24/7/365 at (800) 865-5157 or contact us now We offer cost-effective, appropriate solutions and a quick response to get your home back to normal.
