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Tuesday, November 05, 2024

Immediate Response Action in Water Damage

By the RestorationSOS Educational Staff

Learn what to do immediately after a water damage situationMuch has been said about the need for a timely response to water damage. Almost all sources of information emphasize that allowing the water to remain in the property longer than it should can lead to more serious consequences. After all, water is known as the universal solvent. Given enough time, it can degrade anything it comes in contact with.

In the case of water damage, it is important to know what to do immediately after a water damage scenario. It is not just to lessen the impact on the contents of the home, but also to ensure the safety of its occupants.

Assess the Property

After water damage hits, the first thing that must be done is to make sure that the house is actually safe enough to enter. Water damage can occur in varying degrees. Even if neighbor is able to enter his or her property without any problems, there is no assurance that this is also the case for your home. Make an individual assessment by observing the surroundings. If qualification is an option, call a professional to check the property to bank on experience and expertise.

Secure from Further Damage

Once the property has been declared safe, turn off the utilities in the home. This includes gas lines, electrical systems, and water lines. It is best to shut off utilities at the main lines. Do not assume that the city, or even the disaster such as a storm, has shut these utilities down. There is always a possibility that they can be turned back on and cause injuries to those who are caught unaware. Turning off these systems is a precautionary measure in order to protect those who are working on the property.

If people can enter the house, look for damage to plumbing connections or puddles of water. Exposed wiring should also be taken note of because this is something that needs to be repaired immediately.

Evacuate when Needed

If the property is not safe, then vacate the premises. Examples of what merits an evacuation are damaged roofs that can collapse at any time or broken sewage pipes. When the safety of people is put into question, it is best to just leave and make temporary living arrangements. In some cases, the lodging arrangements can be reimbursed by the insurance company.

There are specific people that need to be informed immediately after water damage hits. Call the insurance company first to keep them abreast of the situation. They will send out someone to assess the property. Do not make any large repairs before assessment because they may not be reimbursed later on. The insurance company would need to have a record of the damage sustained originally. You should also contact a local water damage restoration company for an estimate on repairs.

There is nothing convenient about water damage to a property. However, by being smart in action and alert in thinking, there are ways to protect your assets from further damage.

Recommended Reading:
Asset Protection after Water Damage
A Guide to Fixing Water Damage

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