water damage

Recovering From Water Damage

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Water damage is an awful experience and can require a long recovery time. Not to mention all the valuables you may have lost in the flood. This may be causing you a headache to just think about what your next steps are to restoring your home to what it was. So, here are some first steps to recover from water damage.

Electrical safety

Whenever you’re dealing with water damage near outlets or wiring, your first concern should be electrical safety. Never enter a flooded area until you know that the power has been turned off. It could be a danger to your safety and health if you do not.

  • If you have a minor leak affecting a small area
    • Shut off the circuit breakers that power all wiring and outlets near the leak.
  • If you have a minor leak affecting a large area
    • Shutting down the entire circuit panel and cutting power to your entire home is the safest choice.

Be cautious, If you are unable to access your circuit breaker, the wisest decision would be to leave the home and contact a licensed electrician or your local utility company to address all electrical safety issues

Locate the leak

If the water is coming from your household plumbing, the damage could be getting worse and worse. Therefore it is important that you know where the leak is coming from. However if you are unable to locate it would be a good idea to turn off your water supply entirely. Find the source of your homes main water shut-off valve is and turn it off. The water shut-off valve may be located in the basement while others could be located outside under the water meter grate.

Document the Water Damage to Cover Your Assets

Once you’ve addressed the issues of water flow and electrical threat, report the damage by contacting your homeowner’s insurance company. They will guide you through the next steps necessary to file a successful claim. Taking pictures before, during, and after the entire recovery process is important. This helps your claim and prevent the insurance company from assisting further or contesting the claim entirely.

Most cases, homeowners insurance will cover damage from a burst pipe but not from a natural events. Natural flood insurance is typically sold separately, and often from different carriers. If you’re not sure what your insurance covers, you should look into it now before you have a water damage incident.

Call a professional

If you are willing to attempt to clean up the aftermath of the flood, you can perform the task yourself. But due to the risk of mold and other missteps, it may be an ideal option to contact a professional or a water damage remediation company.

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