Water damage is one of the home’s most common and costly disasters. According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage and freezing account for a claims frequency of nearly one in every 50 homes each year.
While the average water damage insurance claim is over $10,000, the out-of-pocket costs can be much higher. Therefore, knowing what to do (and not do) if a home suffers water damage is important.
DO
- Shut off the water source if possible.
- Remove excess water by mopping or using a wet/dry vacuum.
- Wipe down furniture and other surfaces to remove excess water.
- Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs to prevent staining from wet carpeting.
- Hang draperies and clothes up to dry.
- Open drawers, closet, and cabinet doors to air the inside.
- Remove books, magazines, shoes, etc., from wet carpeting or floors.
- Prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
- Place a dehumidifier in the room.
- Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings.
- Move photos, paintings, and art objects to a safe, dry place.
DON’T
- Use a home vacuum to remove water. This could damage the vacuum.
- Use electrical appliances like TVs, stereos, or home computers while standing on wet carpeting or floors. This could cause electrocution.
- Go into a room with standing water if the electricity is still on.
- Eat food exposed to flood waters.
- Lift-tacked-down carpeting without professional help. Improper lifting could damage the carpet and make it more difficult to dry.
Additional Tips for Dealing with Water Damage
- Once the immediate concerns of water damage have been addressed, it’s important to take steps to prevent further damage and to begin the restoration process.
- Call in a water damage restoration company as soon as possible. The sooner they can begin the restoration process, the better.
- Open doors and windows to allow fresh air to circulate.
- Use fans to circulate the air and dry wet materials more quickly.
- Place a container under the drip of a leaky faucet to prevent water damage to cabinets.
- Check for mold and mildew growth.
- Have the heating and cooling system serviced by a professional before using it again.
Why a Home Restoration Company?
A home restoration company is trained and equipped to handle all aspects of water damage repair, from start to finish. They will extract the water, dry out the area, and make any necessary repairs. They will also work with the insurance company to make sure the claim is filed correctly. They will also check for mold and other damage which the water could have caused.
If your home has suffered water damage, don’t wait to call our team at STOP Restoration of Fort Mill. The sooner you seek help, the less damage your home will suffer.
