What to Do After Your Home Suffers from Water Damage

Water damage can happen in a variety of ways, but the results are all the same: your home is unusable.

Hurricane season is right around the corner in Florida. If you’re one of the many homes prone to these devastating natural disasters, you should know what to expect in case your home suffers the worst.

One of the most damaging and expensive problems to deal with is severe water damage. Water damage is common after natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods. Even a water line break can cause unforeseen home flooding.

If you have water damage in your home, there are a few necessary steps to take so you can protect yourself, your home, and your belongings as fast as possible.

Keep reading to learn what you should do after experiencing home water damage.

Call Your Insurance Company

One of the first things you should do right away is call your insurance company.

Many policies offer protection from water damage, especially if you live in a high-risk county, but the coverage may vary. Make sure you understand what is and isn’t covered.

If you do have coverage, the next step is to make a claim. This can be done over the phone or online. Be prepared to provide information about the damage, including when it happened and how much water was involved.

If it happened to you, others are experiencing the same issue, so be patient with the insurance company. Being calm and courteous can go a long way to getting your claim handled fast.

Document the Damage

Make note of the affected rooms, as well as any large appliances or furniture that show signs of water damage. Take pictures of anything and everything, so you have a visual record of what happened.

If possible, try to keep the items in their original positions so that the insurance company can better understand what happened. Be sure to keep all receipts and documentation related to the damage, as you’ll likely need them to update your initial claim.

Be on the lookout for any mold that starts to form, and take caution when trying to remove it yourself.

Protect Yourself and Your Valuables

First and foremost, you’ll want to take care of your physical health and safety. Make sure that the area is safe to enter and that there are no electrical hazards present.

Once you’ve ensured your safety, start removing any water-logged items. If possible, move them outside to dry in the sun. If this isn’t possible, make sure they’re in a dry area with good air circulation.

Bringing in Professionals

If the flooding is localized and you can mop it up or soak up the water with towels, then you may be able to handle the water damage cleanup yourself.

However, if the water damage is more extensive or if there’s any doubt about your ability to safely clean up, then it’s best to call in a professional.

A professional water remediation service will have the expertise and equipment necessary to properly clean up and dry out your home or business. A water damage company will also be able to identify any potential causes of moisture infiltration and take steps to prevent future water damage.

Get a Handle on Your Home Water Damage

After any major flooding event in your home, be sure to contact water damage services for help.

Remember, the sooner you act, the less damage will be done. Give us a call today if you’re experiencing home water damage.