6 Steps To Take After Experiencing Significant Water Damage

There are several water damage experts near me, but they will not be at your door the second a pipe burst or a sewer backs up. Therefore, what do you do between the moment water starts rushing in and help arrives. You can abide by the following six steps to ensure that you and your family remain safe during this potential water disaster.

Ensure the Safety of Your Family

Water, even small amounts of it, can be unhealthy and dangerous, depending on the source and the category level. For example, sewage backups likely consist of biological and chemical contaminants in the water, which is classified as black water. This water type is toxic to humans and pets.

Therefore, regardless of the water source, when you experience a sudden influx of water where it shouldn’t be, gather your family and your pets and vacate the area. By doing this, you ensure the health and safety of your loved ones.

Turn Off Your Power

Next, you will need to turn off the power to all affected areas of the home. If you do not know which areas are affected by the water leak or flood, then it is better to turn off the main power supply to the home, which can often be found near or within the fuse box of the home.

The reason it is necessary to turn off the power to the house is that as the water rises or leaks inside of walls, it is possible for the water to come in contact with electrical components, which can create a serious safety concern for workers and people entering the property.

Shut Off Your Water

As another safety precaution, you should also shut off the water supply to the affected area. Again, if you do not know where the supply for that particular space is located, then you can shut off the main to the house. By turning off the main, if the problem is from a burst pipe, you are ensuring that the water level doesn’t continue to rise, and that level of damage is contained.

Contact a Remediation Specialist

Once you have taken all the proper safety measures and helped to limit the extent of the damage, you should contact a restoration or remediation specialist in your area. These companies are licensed, certified, and equipped to handle your disaster.

Also, some of the best restoration businesses will be at your property within 15 minutes to assess the damage to your property and provide you with an estimate of the overall costs. In addition to providing an assessment, these businesses will discuss mitigation services with you, which often include board-ups, tarping, fencing, and even surveillance.

Mitigate Further Loss

Beyond the mitigation services that are likely to be offered by the remediation company you contact, you can take steps to reduce further loss before the company arrives. With the power and water supply off, you can safely re-enter your home, unless dealing with a sewage backup or heavily contaminated water. You can remove furniture, drapes, rugs, appliances, etc. Take anything you can out of the house and place it somewhere to dry out.

Begin Removing Water

Last, you can begin to remove water on your own. You can use a wet/dry vac or even pales to bale out the affected space. However, it can not be stressed enough the level of precaution you should take, especially in deep water situations.

While you have shut off the power, it is possible that the system malfunctioned. You might think you are dealing with clean water, the flood might have caused a minor sewer backup, contaminating the water. If you must take action, then at the very least, wear a full protective suit and gloves to help ensure that contaminated water does not come in direct contact with your skin.

Water damage in a home can be minor or extensive. When dealing with a significant flood or water damage situation, it is often best to wait for a professional’s help. However, if you must take action, then follow the six steps above, ensuring the safety of your family, pets, and belongings. Also, contact a professional, licensed, and certified restoration company, such as United Water Restoration Group, to come out and assess the extent of the damage.

We provide services in Ormond Beach, Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, Daytona Beach, Florida, Orlando, Florida, Tampa, Florida, Melbourne, Florida, and many other locations around Florida!