Immediate Actions After Water Damage
Water damage is a stressful experience. Knowing what to do in the aftermath can help mitigate the damage and restore your home or business to its pre-damage condition.
How to Clean Up After Water Damage?
- Safety first: Before you begin cleaning up, ensure the area is safe. Turn off electricity at the main breaker and gas at the meter. Wear protective gear such as gloves and boots to prevent contact with contaminated water.
- Stop the water source: If the source of the water damage is still active, such as a burst pipe or leaking roof, stop the flow before proceeding.
- Document the damage: Take photos and videos of the damaged areas to provide documentation for insurance purposes.
- Remove standing water: Use a wet/dry vacuum or pump to remove standing water from the affected areas.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces: Clean hard surfaces with a mixture of bleach and water. Disinfect soft surfaces, such as carpets and upholstery, with a commercial disinfectant.
- Dry out the area: Open windows and doors to ventilate the area and allow it to dry naturally. You can also use fans or dehumidifiers to accelerate the drying process.
- Call a professional: If the water damage is extensive or you are unsure how to proceed, contact a professional water damage cleanup company.