What To Do Before The Water Damage Team Arrives
When you discover an indoor deluge of water, call a professional water damage company to send a team of experts as soon as possible. In the time it takes for the crew to arrive with industrial equipment and experienced technicians, make the most of these minutes. Damage from water and bacteria growth can begin within just a few hours.
Water soaked fabrics, upholstery, carpeting and drapery can be very heavy. A single gallon of water weighs eight pounds, so a 1,000-gallon event could add significant weight to the floors and contents of your space. Don’t attempt to move large water-soaked items; the water damage team will have the manpower to move it out quickly and efficiently.
Instead, focus on these helpful tasks:
Turn off circuit breakers supplying electricity to wet areas if appropriate. (Don’t enter standing water, of course.) Unplug and remove any small electrical devices located on wet carpet or other wet surfaces. Move all electronics to dry area.
Remove books, shoes, paper goods, fabrics, potted plants and any items that may stain the carpet. Take wet area rugs or other unattached floor coverings outside in the sun. Do not remove the wall-to-wall carpet. Hang draperies and pin up furniture skirts to prevent contact with the wet carpet.
Wipe furniture and prop up wet cushions for even drying. Open drawers and closet and cabinet doors to speed the drying process. Place aluminum foil under legs of wood furniture (especially antiques). Remove smaller, lighter furniture items that are easy to transport.
Make plans for a restoration crew to move large furniture items out to the garage or storage area. Clear the path now to save time and your stored items.
If the water damage is from a dirty or contaminated source, do not enter. You don’t need to track that stuff into the rest of your home. If you MUST enter, put plastic bags over your shoes and then discard them on the way out.
Resist The Urge To Jump Into The Problem!
- Don’t use your home vacuum; electrical shock may result as well as damage to the vacuum
- Don’t operate TV’s or other appliances on wet carpet or floors
- Don’t place newspaper in the traffic areas (ink transfers easily)
- Don’t activate the HVAC system if it has been directly affected by water (it may spread contamination)
- Don’t disturb visible mold
- Don’t leave the home unsecured at night. Lock and secure your property when not occupied to prevent looting. Alarms may malfunction if the electricity or telephone service has been interrupted.
Hard Wood Floors
Water is the mortal enemy of hardwood flooring. Due to the porous nature of wood, moisture can be easily absorbed into the material. Again, remove as much clean water as you can with clean towels and blankets. However, if the water came from outside, it might carry dirt, mud, and sand across your floor. Don’t scrub and, therefore scratch, your fine-grained boards. Definitely wait for the experts to determine the safest and most effective solutions for YOUR flood and YOUR particular floors.
Document The Details
No matter how horrible the mess of belongings became, the insurance company will need proof of what you owned and its value. With this time, begin an accurate inventory: what items are damaged, what is ruined, what did it cost, where and when did you buy?
Before you or the water damage team make any repairs, fully document the damage for your insurer. You could potentially decrease the extent of your coverage if you don’t have ‘proof.’ Digital versions can be stored electronically and easily copied when requested.
Water Damage Cleanup In Peachtree City
Rely on Champion Cleaning Systems for water damage clean up. Their industrial-grade dehumidifiers, high-speed air movers, and documented drying process will return your wet mess into a safe, beautiful and comfortable home. The experienced team is on-call to respond 24 hours a day to Sharpsburg, Peachtree City, and Newnan areas. To schedule a cleaning appointment, report an emergency or discuss moisture in your home, call Champion Cleaning Systems today.
