First Steps In Recovering After Water Damage

3/29/2021 (Permalink)

You will often have no idea that water damage has occurred. It can be due to a natural event, such as an overflowing creek or river, or maybe just a big spill. Other times it can be because an appliance or piping has sprung a leak. Some areas of your home or business are more likely to experience water damage than others; rooms with sinks, as in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas are always at risk, while low-lying areas such as basements and cellars are places that will be more likely to see water damage. 

RECOVERY

Here are first steps you can take in recovering from water damage:

• Turn off all water sources immediately and soak up standing water using mops, or towels, blankets, and rags; you can use a ShopVac here if necessary. Get ceiling or oscillating floor fans started to dry the affected areas as soon as possible, and in all cases make sure tools and machinery away from standing water before you plug them in
• Remove and prop up all wet upholstery and cushions so that they can dry, and protect carpeting by placing wooden blocks or aluminum foil under furniture legs
• During the summer, turn your air conditioning on for additional drying 

• Hang furs and leather goods and don’t leave wet fabrics lying on wet surfaces 
• Remove books and magazines from wet carpets or floors so that colored inks don’t leave marks

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

• Refrain from using household appliances and ceiling fixtures while surfaces are wet
• Avoid rooms with sagging ceilings or warped flooring; inspect areas that have experienced large amounts of water to ensure there is no severe structural damage
• Wet materials are often extremely heavy; avoid moving anything that is difficult
• Never wade into water when you don’t know how deep it is or if you aren’t sure whether it is contaminated

When you experience a water damage event, keep us in mind. Our team here SERVPRO of Hermitage/Donelson has all the experience and expertise that you’ll need to manage this kind of event. We are also experts when it comes to fire damage and mold remediation, and we can get your home or business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, too. This franchise is independently owned and operated.