Water damage from inclement weather or a burst pipe can be one of the most catastrophic events a homeowner will face. In the event of water damage, many of your belongings are likely beyond repair, the cleanup process can be laborious, and the risk of mold growth can persist for weeks. But with quick action and an organized plan, you can recover from water damage as hassle-free as possible by getting off on the right foot.
Essential Measures to Take After Water Damage
Water damage in a home can cause devastating financial and emotional losses. It can ruin foundations, walls, floors, and furnishings and causes mold growth. Fortunately, by following the essential measures below, homeowners can lessen the effects of water damage in their homes.
1. Identify the Damage
Identifying the extent of the damage is the first stage in water damage recovery. Determine the scope by inspecting the affected areas. Additionally, watch for any indications of mold development, which poses a serious health risk. To support your insurance claim, take pictures of the water damage as evidence.
2. Cut off the Electricity and Water Supply
When it’s safe to do so, homeowners should turn off their electricity and water supply. Wet outlets raise the risk of a fire or an electrical short in the wiring behind the walls if the power is left on. If you notice that a fuse box has water in it or is overheating, it is vital that you seek professional assistance to avoid accidents. After turning off the power, those living there can safely disconnect and remove damaged appliances.
3. Ventilate the Home
If the house isn’t dried out thoroughly, moisture may reappear. Direct airflow can be achieved by opening windows and doors to allow for a cross breeze and by using dehumidifiers and electric fans. Once power is restored, if it is safe to do so, leave the air conditioner running continuously to remove moisture and dry out the house.
4. Sanitize and Clean the Home
After drying out the area, the next procedure is to clean, sanitize and deodorize the walls, floors, and personal belongings. Water damage can contain harmful microbes and likely will cause an unpleasant odor. You can use eco-friendly and safe cleaners to sanitize all objects that came in contact with water. For personal items with a tough odor, some professional flood cleanup companies offer an odor removal service to help save important possessions.
5. Fix the Damage
Once you finished cleaning and sanitizing your home, most of the work involved in recovering from water damage can be done by you as long as you are ready to put in a great deal of time and effort. However, many homeowners will call an advanced property damage restoration in Honolulu for assistance due to the nature of the work and the mold risk associated with it.
Conclusion
Recovering from water damage can be a complex and time-consuming process. But, if you act quickly and follow the steps outlined above, you can decrease the damage and avoid further problems. However, if the damage is severe and you are unsure about the restoration procedure, hire a professional water damage restoration company to fix and restore your home to its pre-damage state.