5 Immediate Steps to Handle a Water Damage Emergency

3/1/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage can be infuriating. It is classified as one of the most serious emergencies that your property could suffer from – one that could possibly have long-term implications as well.

There are many ways that your property could get damaged by water, such as a heavy storm, flash floods, extreme rainfall, damaged pipes, overflowing water appliances, or even a leaking roof. Regardless of where your water damage stems from, it is mandatory to address the problem immediately to prevent further damage and to allow for repair strategies to be helpful.

When you face a water damage emergency at home, you should already have a plan in place that tells you exactly how to handle the situation. Here are a few steps that should ideally be part of your contingency plan:

1. Protecting Yourself

The reason why water damage is considered extremely serious is because not only will there be floating water around your home, but the water can also further create more emergencies around the house. If the water is contaminated, there can be serious health implications if you come into contact with it. If you let the water reach electrical appliances, there can be a short circuit in the house or lead to electrocuted water.

To protect yourself, the first step in a water damage emergency should be shut off all electricity in your home. In case the water damage is caused by flooding, it is important to evacuate the home and reach a safe destination ASAP. Remember to wear protective clothing such as gloves and boots when you come in contact with the water to avoid the risk of contaminated or electrocuted water. You should also protect important possessions first – including important documents and electronic devices.

2. Stop the Damage

In order to prevent further damage to your property, it is important to identify the source of the water damage and stop it immediately. If you have a burst pipe, you can shut off the water supply. If there is a flood in the area, you can use sandbags to lessen the impact. If you are suffering a ceiling leak, you should identify the exact point of leakage and reach out to a roofing expert.

3. Call the Insurance Company

Since most houses in the US are insured, it is important to call the insurance company as soon as you identify water damage on your property. They are likely to guide you regarding what to do next, including getting a claims adjuster and taking photographs of the property damaged. This step is important to save money on damage repair in the future since your insurance company is likely to have it covered.

4. Dry Everything

If it is possible, you should begin drying your wet furniture and flooring as soon as possible. Leave your rugs out in the sun to dry and turn on the fans to help dry out the entire house. This step is essential to eliminate the possibility of mold growth on your property due to still water and moisture in the home.