Step 1: Stop the water at its source
- If you can, turn off all electrical systems in your home. This will prevent any further damage from occurring and may help to fix the issue yourself.
- If you can’t turn off the electrical systems, call an electrician. Electrical issues are not always easy to fix and could lead to more serious problems down the road if left untreated.
- If the water is still coming into your house after turning off all of the electricity, try calling a plumber or appliance repair person. Even if you have no idea how to fix the issue, they may be able to help stop the water and save your home from further damage.
Step 2: Evacuate the premises
-Turn off the electricity
-If possible, drain the water source
-Evacuate as quickly as possible
-Document everything
Step 3: Turn off the electricity in areas affected by water damage
After seeing the extent of the water damage, it is important to turn off the electricity in those areas. Turn off all your switches in the affected areas and wait for a professional to come and turn off the circuit breakers. If you are unable to reach any of these switches or circuit breakers, call an electrician.
Step 4: Call your insurance company
If you have water damage in your home, the first thing you should do is call your insurance company. They’ll send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine what repairs need to be done. Make sure to clarify your needs with the insurer before calling.
Step 5: Remove any standing water if possible
If water damage is detected, remove standing water as possible using electric, gas or hand pumps. Circulate dry air to clear the house of moisture. Use a wet-dry vacuum to remove towels and other objects for smaller pools of water. Wait for a professional to arrive. Be cautious when removing water and take steps to prevent damage to the building’s foundation.
Step 6: Start the cleanup process
- Clean up any water that has spilled onto the floor. Use a mop or a bucket to clean it up as quickly and safely as possible.
- If there is standing water, use a broom or a shovel to remove it.
- Make sure all electrical circuits are shut off before beginning the cleanup process. This will prevent any accidents from happening while you’re working.
- Wear gloves whenever possible to avoid getting exposed to harmful chemicals and debris in the floodwaters.
- Disconnect all gas, oil, and water lines before starting the cleanup process so that they don’t come into contact with soil or other chemicals in the floodwaters
Step 7: Check for molds and address them
If you find evidence of water damage or mold, reach out to a mold restoration agency. Mold growth can be controlled by controlling humidity levels, fixing leaky roofs and windows, thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding, and ventilating showers, laundry, and cooking areas.
Step 8: Initiate the drying process
After water damage has been detected, remove standing water with buckets or plastic tubs.
Use a mop to absorb excess water in hard-to-reach areas.
Rent a wet-dry vacuum to finish the job once most of the water is gone and let the area ventilate and dry thoroughly.
If there isn’t too much-standing water, you can just use the wet-dry vacuum from the start.
Avoid mildew and molds by starting the drying process as soon as possible.
Remove excess water with all-purpose vacuums placed throughout the property and place dehumidifiers in every room.
Make sure every part of the property is bone dry before proceeding.
Make sure to contact a professional if water damage has occurred
Step 9: Start the repairs
1) Immediately take steps to prevent further water damage. Wet materials and surfaces create dangerous conditions that can lead to Mold and other hazardous problems. Close off all potential entry points to the home, turn off all utilities, and move any heavy objects from the affected area.
2) If water has already entered the home, carefully remove any wet furniture or items from the floor and dry them off completely before placing them where they will not pose a risk of further moisture infiltration.
3) If you are faced with extensive water damage, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible in order to minimize any long-term risks. A qualified restoration company will have the tools and experience necessary to get your home back into shape quickly and safely.
Step 10: Call a trusted water damage repair professional
Immediately following a water-related incident, take steps to mitigate the risk of permanent damage. Contact Tuckey Restoration for help in dealing with water damage.
