After a Water Damage Event
Pipes break. Toilets overflow. Water heaters fail abruptly. Natural disasters, like windstorms, floods and earthquakes, as well as hurricanes, tornadoes or fire, can occur with little or no warning. When a major or catastrophic water damage event occurs it’s important to respond as quickly as possible.
Immediate Action Is important
By taking immediate action you will:
- Reduce the amount of damage and loss of personal belongings and household goods;
- Mitigate the amount of rust, rot, mold and mildew that may develop;
- Lower the likelihood that the water will lead to structural problems;
- Increase your chances of salvaging usable materials from the site.
After a Water Damage Event
Your first priority after a water damage event is to protect the occupants of your home. Take all appropriate precautions that are directed by your local emergency management officials. Then, address the issue of protecting your home and belongings.
After the threat of physical danger has passed you should begin immediately to assess the damage and take the following steps:
- Ensure that its safe to venture out of the home. If you’ve been evacuated to a shelter, be sure it is safe to return home.
- Ensure that it is safe to use electrical power. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.
- Ensure that the natural gas sources are safely secured.
- Make sure the home is structurally safe to enter or reoccupy.
- Secure the building exterior to prevent further moisture intrusion. This can include hoarding up broken windows, making temporary roof repairs, sealing cracks or tacking down plastic sheeting against open gaps in walls or roofs.
After Major Water Damage Event
- Disconnect all electronics and electrical equipment in the room. Move them to a safe, dry location.
- Stop the flow of water, if possible, by turning off the main water supply to the house.
- Contact a plumber or water extraction company, if necessary, for assistance.
- Remove as much standing water as possible from inside the home.
- Begin to remove water-damaged materials immediately.
- Ventilate the home to the best possible extent with fans and/or dehumidifiers.
