The truth is:
One of the worse things you can experience as a homeowner is water damage. Often time, it is caused by natural flood or erosion. Especially if you’re living on the windward side of an island.
Nevertheless:
There are many water damage cases caused by water network damage or say a poor plumbing system.
Whichever yours might be:
Witnessing water damage is likely to come with confusion. And that’s why I have explained the important and exact 5 steps to take after water damage.
Let’s get started with…
STEP 1; Call Your Insurance Company
Before anything at all, you need to let your home insurance company in on the matter. If possible and they allow it, start a live video to show them around the damages.
Otherwise:
Take pictures along the video recordings of every corner and area where the water reaches. Make sure the pictures include the before, during, and after the incidence.
One thing though:
Find out if your insurance covers water damage first before taking this step. If it doesn’t, make step 2 below your step 1 and skip this one.
STEP 2; Put Safety Measures In Place
First thing:
Shut down the power of your house because water and electricity coming together are dangerous to life.
Secondly:
In a pipe leakage/flood, water destroys lives and properties. And the first safety measure you want to put in place is life safety. Make sure your family is wearing proactive gears.
Also:
Just like staying away from the wet walls is a safety measure. Keep your furniture safe by covering them with protective bags. Moving them away from the flood is another option.
Moving on:
STEP 3; Start Cleaning Up
Now, listen:
I wouldn’t recommend doing this yourself though. But if you’re in for the work and have all the required tools, get at it. Otherwise, call a water damage company.
Bonus tip:
For y’all living in San Diego, I recommend these guys for the best professional water damage restoration san diego. They also offer the most budget-friendly prices.
Otherwise:
Cleanup the water with a vacuum cleaner. Remove drywalls, insulations, and furniture for drying. This way, you prevent mold growth and mildew on these items. They creep in so fast.
With this done, move on to…
STEP 4; Proceed To Dry Up Your Home
Very important:
After mopping and cleaning, you’ll still have traces of wetness around. In fact, you’re likely to have stagnant water in some hidden corners.
So, what’s the catch?
Move around with a large napkin to wipe-dry the slightly wet surfaces. Make sure this is done in not less than 24hrs after the incidence to avoid mildew growth. Yes, they grow fast.
STEP 5; Check For Mildew And Begin Restoration
Now:
It’s time to repair the damages, get your things back in, and rearrange the whole place. But before doing that, check your items for mildew and mold growth.
So, I guess…
You may need to purchase solutions to kill mold growth and mildew if you find any.