Unfortunately, water damage in a home is not uncommon and it can be a result of a variety of circumstances and situations. Naturally, you’re prone to become panicked as a result. That’s why we’ve created this list to help alleviate some of the stress in dealing with this disaster. Below are immediate steps that should be taken in you find yourself with water intrusion in your home.
- Call Your Insurance Company
- Protecting Yourself, Appliances, and Valuables
- Start Water Damage Repair Immediately
- Drying Out Your Home and Removing Humidity
- Identifying Mold
- Deciding What Needs To Be Restored After Water Damage
- When To Move Back Into Your Home
- If possible, identify the source of the damage
- Notify your homeowners’ or condo association
- Put the insurance carrier on notice
- Call a remediation expert within 24-48 hours
Staying in a house that has been damaged by flooding due to a natural disaster is not considered safe for a variety of reasons, one of which is the potential formation of mold. After water damage occurs, it is possible that mold and mildew can start growing even within one day.
Water can get into your framing materials, insulation and drywall, causing mold, electrical hazards, rotting, and corrosion. Ironically, wall water damage can cause fires because of electrical damage.
If you find yourself with a water damage situation, depending on the severity, you may be able to remedy the damage yourself. The most common choice is a bleach solution but there are a number of homemade options you can choose from. Lightly spray and wipe down the area before you start water damage repair to help make sure no mold spores linger. If you find the damage is greater than at first thought, immediately contact a professional for assistance.