Water Damage: What to Do and How SERVPRO Can Help

11/30/2023 (Permalink)

Interior water damage

Water damage is an unwelcome guest that can invade your home at any time, causing stress, inconvenience, and potential structural harm. When faced with water damage, knowing what steps to take can make all the difference in mitigating the damage and restoring your home to its preloss condition. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the essential steps to take when your home has suffered water damage and how SERVPRO can be your trusted partner in the cleanup and restoration process.

Step 1: Ensure Safety:

Your safety should be the top priority. Before taking any action, assess the situation for potential hazards:

• Turn off electrical power if it's safe to do so and there is no risk of electrical shock.
• Avoid walking on wet or slippery surfaces to prevent slips and falls.
• Be cautious of contaminated water, as it may contain harmful bacteria and pathogens.

Step 2: Stop the Water Source:

If the water damage is due to a burst pipe, plumbing issue, or appliance malfunction, take immediate action to stop the source of water:

• Shut off the main water supply to your home.
• If the issue is related to an appliance, disconnect it from the power source.

Step 3: Document the Damage:

Document the extent of the water damage for insurance purposes:

• Take photos and videos of the affected areas before any cleanup or restoration efforts begin.
• Create a detailed list of damaged items and their estimated value.

Step 4: Remove Standing Water:

Depending on the severity of the water damage, you may need to remove standing water:

• Use a wet-dry vacuum or pumps to extract water.
• Towels, mops, and buckets can also help soak up excess water.

Step 5: Circulate Air and Promote Drying:

Drying out the affected areas is crucial to prevent further damage and mold growth:

• Open windows and doors to promote ventilation.
• Use fans and dehumidifiers to accelerate the drying process.

Step 6: Contact SERVPRO:

Water damage restoration is a complex process that often requires professional assistance. Here's how SERVPRO can help:

• 24/7 Emergency Response: SERVPRO offers round-the-clock emergency response services, ensuring that we're there when you need us most.
• Assessment and Cleanup: Our experienced technicians will assess the extent of the damage, determine the appropriate restoration plan, and initiate cleanup.
• Thorough Restoration: SERVPRO uses advanced equipment and techniques to remove excess water, thoroughly dry the affected areas, and restore your home to its preloss condition.
• Mold Remediation: If mold growth has occurred, we have the expertise to safely remove mold and prevent its recurrence.
• Insurance Coordination: We work with your insurance company to help streamline the claims process, providing necessary documentation and information.

Step 7: Prevent Future Damage:

Once your home is restored, take steps to prevent future water damage:

• Regularly inspect and maintain plumbing, appliances, and roofing.
• Install water leak detection systems.
• Ensure proper drainage and grading around your home's foundation.

Conclusion:

Water damage can be a challenging and distressing experience, but knowing the right steps to take can make a significant difference in the outcome. SERVPRO is here to support you throughout the water damage restoration process, from assessment to cleanup and restoration. Our goal is to help you regain a safe and comfortable living environment while minimizing the disruption caused by water damage. If you ever find yourself facing water damage, don't hesitate to contact SERVPRO. We're here to assist you in getting your home back to normal.