4 Steps To Take After Water Damage in Your Home

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

Drying equipment in an Captiva Island, FL home.

Four Steps to Follow If Your Home Has Water Damage

It's hard to know what to do first when you've had a flood in your Captiva Island, FL, home. While no one wants to anticipate flooding or water damage ahead of time, it's good to have a plan in case you need it.

1. Protect Yourself and Your Home
One thing you might want to do right away is look over the damage to your home, but you need to do it carefully. When it is safe to return to your home:

• Turn off the electricity.
• Wear boots and rubber gloves.
• Retrieve the most valuable belongings.
• Elevate wood furniture if possible.
  
  

2. Stop the Water Source
If the flooding is from a source you can stop, such as broken pipes or a roof leak, mitigate the problem right away to prevent further damage. If your area has experienced heavy rain and more is expected, do what you can to protect your home, such as stacking sandbags or digging trenches.

3. Begin Cleanup
Water clean up should begin as soon as possible to prevent mold growth or secondary damage. A flood restoration company can help you through the process. Professionals can assess the extent of the water damage, identify the water contamination category, perform a safety inspection and move furniture. They can begin the water removal process almost immediately with high-powered vacuums and pumps. Using infrared cameras, technicians can test your home for water in hidden areas behind ceilings and walls.
Once standing water is removed, technicians can use dehumidifiers and professional-grade air movers to drywalls, carpets and furniture.

4. Restore Your Home
Once your home is thoroughly dry, you can begin restoring or replacing damaged items. Some areas may be restored after cleaning and disinfecting, while others may need replacing or remodeling. A restoration company can help with the process by disinfecting, sanitizing and removing any mold growth.
Water damage in your Captiva Island, FL, home can be overwhelming, but you don't have to go it alone. A professional restoration company can help you every step of the way.