Water damage is often unexpected and can be devastating to your residential or commercial property and your belongings. In order to salvage more of your items and prevent future damage such as structural damage and mold growth from the incident, it is important to work with a professional water damage restoration company like APR Restoration. The sooner you address the damage and begin the restoration process, the less damage you will be facing. Dealing with water damage immediately can also decrease the risk of mold damage. Your safety and the safety of those around you should always be your first priority. If you are dealing with a flood or natural disaster, be sure to follow your local safety regulations and always try to prepare ahead of time if you are given the opportunity to do so. Here are some tips to keep in mind after a water damage emergency in order to return your home or business to its previous condition.
Contact Your Insurance Company And Water Damage Restoration Professionals
When it comes to water damage, it is important to contact your insurance company right away. Your insurance company may want to send over an insurance claims professional in order to assess the damage, or may ask you for documentation before any repairs or restoration is started, such as photos or detailed descriptions of the damage. It is also important to contact your water damage repair company right away. Water damage gets worse with every moment your home or business is exposed to the water damage, so immediate action can make a huge difference. An experienced water damage professional can also provide helpful insight on dealing with your insurance claim, and will be aware of most protocols, so they can help you get the most out of your insurance policy.
Limit Your Movement
When building materials become exposed to excess moisture, it presents many risks of physical injury. There is the potential for collapse which can cause great harm to you or those who enter your property without the proper knowledge and experience. Be sure to limit your movements, and only enter the property as necessary until you have been advised by a professional.
Avoid Contact With Water
Water travels quickly, and comes into contact with many harmful things such as bacteria, pollutants, allergens, raw sewage, and chemicals. When you come into contact with water that has been contaminated by these substances, you are risking your health and can contract illnesses and infections. Water damage restoration professionals have the proper protective gear and equipment to keep them safe, and the required knowledge to prevent cross contamination. They are also aware of the proper sanitation and disinfecting protocols so they can clean the space properly and avoid leaving behind any substance that can be harmful to your health in the future.
Prevent Electrical Shock
Typically during a water damage incident, appliances and your home electrical wiring can become exposed to water. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination and can cause electrical shock to those in the exposed area. Avoid making contact with any electrical appliances that may cause a risk to you, and if it is possible to do so safely, turn off the power supply to your residential or commercial property before entering an area that has experienced water damage.
Mitigate Damage if Possible to do so Safely
If you have the potential to do so without risking your own safety, you can mitigate water damage by hanging fabrics, removing any colored paper or items that may dye or stain surfaces, and retrieve important documents and belongings. If the water damage is caused by a burst pipe or appliance malfunction in your home or business, turning off the water supply can help to mitigate damage as well.
If you have experienced water damage, don’t deal with the aftermath alone. APR Restoration is a trusted and experienced restoration company that offers 24/7 emergency services and can help you get your life back to normal after being exposed to water damage. Contact us right away to get started with your water damage restoration.
