What Should I Do Immediately After Water Damage? Experiencing water damage to your property can be overwhelming, but taking swift and decisive action can minimize the damage and prevent further complications. 1. Ensure Safety: - Prioritize your and others' safety by quickly evacuating the affected area. - Avoid entering standing water and electrocuted electrical appliances or wires. - Call for emergency services if the flooding is extensive or poses immediate danger. 2. Stop the Source of Water: - Turn off the water supply at the main valve to prevent further water intrusion. - If possible, eliminate or divert any additional sources of water, such as overflowing appliances or broken pipes. 3. Document Damage: - Take photographs or videos of the damaged areas for insurance purposes. - Create a detailed inventory of damaged items, including furniture, appliances, and electronics. - Contact your insurance company immediately to report the incident. 4. Remove Standing Water: - Using a wet/dry vacuum or sump pump, extract as much standing water as possible. - Open windows and doors to ventilate and allow moisture to escape. - Use fans or dehumidifiers to further aid in drying. 5. Protect Salvageable Items: - Remove wet items from the affected area and place them in a dry, well-ventilated location. - Elevate furniture and appliances to prevent further water damage. - Separate damaged items from unaffected ones to prevent cross-contamination. 6. Clean and Disinfect: - Disinfect all affected surfaces using a bleach solution or an approved cleaner. - Remove mold and mildew by thoroughly scrubbing with a bleach-based solution. - Discard any contaminated food, beverages, or medicines. 7. Seek Professional Help: - Contact a reputable Water Damage Cleanup company to professionally restore your property. - They possess the expertise, equipment, and experience to safely and efficiently resolve water damage. - Insurance companies typically require a professional assessment to determine the extent of damage and appropriate cleanup measures. Remember, acting promptly after water damage can significantly reduce the damage and prevent costly repairs. Prioritize safety, document the damage, and seek professional help when necessary to ensure your property is fully restored.