So You Have Water Damage: Here’s What To Do Next

So You Have Water Damage: Here’s What To Do Next

Turn Off Your Water and Power

If possible to do safely, turn off the main water line and shut off all electricity to your home. No matter what caused the water damage, it’s best to ensure your water bill doesn’t skyrocket because of structural damage. However, if there is walkable water on the property, do NOT attempt to reach the fuse box as there is a big risk of electrocution, and call a professional.

Wear Protective Gear

If walking into a flooded home or any property with a substantial amount of water damage, it’s crucial to wear protective gear. Floodwater and sewage are considered hazardous, and touching items and areas of the home can be toxic. Try to cover up as much as possible and wear waterproof boots, gloves, and waders to protect yourself efficiently and proactively.

Don’t Enter the Home if There is Standing Water or Structural Damage

If the floor appears soggy, the ceilings are caved in, or if you see pools and pools of water in and around the home, do NOT enter your home and call a professional immediately. Homes or businesses that have absorbed a lot of water in walls, floors, or ceilings are at risk of collapsing, and should not be entered by anyone. If there are pools of water in your home, and the power is not shut off, do NOT step in them. There is a high risk of electrocution.

Survey Your Home

If there is no serious structural damage to the property or no downed power lines nearby, survey the property. Make a list of damaged items and areas and take as many photos and videos as you can. Remember that water damage is not always visible and that your list of damage may not be comprehensive. If you have a hunch there may be more damage than meets the eye or find mold, it may be time to call in an expert like WOW Total Cleaning & Restoration. Mold can be toxic and should not be handled without proper care.

Call Your Insurance Company

If your home or business is insured, call your insurance agent right away to survey the damage. After this, start taking photos of the damage on the property and try to tally up a list of damaged items and areas. Documenting the damage with a list and with photos is not only beneficial for your insurance company but for yourself as well—it’s important to know what exactly is damaged and what isn’t.

Dry The Property and Remove What’s Damaged

Depending on the damage, there may be a lot of soaked items. Furniture and even flooring need to be dried to avoid detrimental damage. Mold appears 24 to 48 hours after the initial flooding, so it’s crucial to act fast. Remove any wet or damaged furniture, open as many windows as possible, and dig up floorboards. Water can soak, causing deep damage.

Contacting a Professional

Remember that water damage is extremely stressful and can be overwhelming. There’s only so much you can do without all the proper tools and gear. For almost twenty years, WOW Total Cleaning & Restoration has led the Austin area in water damage restoration. With years of expertise, experienced and certified professionals, and outstanding customer service, there isn’t a job WOW Total Cleaning & Restoration can’t handle. For free assessments or to speak to us, please contact us today.