What to do when water damages your home?

12/7/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage due to broken pipe in a Edmond,OK home

Water Damage in Your Home

Water damage from a broken pipe or a natural disaster creates a huge household mess. Aside from the material cost, there may be health factors involved that make it impossible for you to clean up the house yourself. It’s critical to save what you can, but concede that many items will need to be replaced. Take some time to survey the water damage before jumping in to save that old photo album.

Electrical Safety
Even if you have a fine film of water on your interior floor, avoid walking in the house until you turn off the power. Water is a perfect conductor for electricity, making the entire home a potential shock hazard. Shut off the power at the main panel to avoid any electrical injuries. If you can’t reach the panel, an electrician will need to come in and shut it down manually.

Evaluate Damage
Avoid diving into the water damage, but actually evaluate each room visually. Note down all the damage to the house itself and belongings. Take photos if possible for insurance purposes. If you have a drawer of important papers, try to access this information first before any more water damage destroys the information. You’ll need your insurance information to make a solid claim. The evaluation also gives you an idea of the types of professionals necessary to fix the problems.

Contact Cleaning And Insurance Professionals
Call your insurance provider to send an adjustor out to the home. Consider cleaning professionals in your area that specialize in water damage. Ask friends and family about their experiences. You need professionals that understand the corrosive behavior of water and its effects. Companies without this expertise often overlook areas, creating havens for more water damage and mold growth