Your guide to handling water and storm damage

When you discover that your property has been damaged by water or storm, it can be tempting to try fixing the problem yourself or delay it. However, waiting for the problem to pass by itself may end up costing you even more — both financially and personally. The most important thing after a water or storm damage is to act fast. Conduct restoration immediately to prevent further damages and to mitigate the loss.

A water damage or storm damage can be an overwhelming situation for your family. The following tips can help you face the situation more easily. Read on to know why you must address water damage as soon as possible and how you can do it without calling for more trouble.

The health risks of water damage

People are very well aware of the structural damages that water damage cause to your property, but very few are aware of the health risks of untreated water damage.

Humidity after a water damage creates the perfect environment for mold growth and rapid breeding of dust mites. Mold takes only 48 hours to multiply itself. They are morbid, and if left untreated, mold infestations can cause respiratory infections and fungal infections. In a nutshell, you need professional water remediation services to prevent your property from being a shelter to mold contaminations.

How to handle water and storm damage?

Disconnect appliances

If the water damage is severe then you must shut down the main power source to prevent electrocution or further damages to your house structure. After a water damage, you must disconnect the appliances which have had their power source exposed to water. In case of damaged appliances, sparks or frayed wires, call an electrician and get them repaired before using them again. Once, you are assured that all appliances are in proper order only then turn on the main power source.

Inform your insurance company

Read your insurance policy carefully, provide pictures and the estimate from the restoration contractor you have chosen to work with. It is important to report and avail insurance claim as soon as possible. Any type of damage can devalue your house and hence, the damage should be fixed immediately before it leads to greater damages in the future.

Avoid additional risks

If the water damage was severe enough for you and your family to leave home, then be sure to check properly before you return. Keep an eye for damaged pipes, check your roof for missing shingles, and other signs of hidden structural damage. Check the pipes inside and outside your home. If necessary, shut off the home’s main water supply. Though an expert water damage remediation company will take care of all these things, no amount of assurance and prevention is sufficient. Fix all plumbing problems and structural damages by a professional before you start living in your house again.

What is you plan to restore water damage yourself?

If you feel that the water damage is a minor one and you can treat it yourself, make sure you take care of the following things.

· Use proper protective gear like gloves, boots, masks, eye protection etc to avoid contact with contaminants.

· Keep the furniture away from affected areas.

· Remove vital assets, prized belongings, important documents, breakables and store them somewhere safe.

· Disinfect floors, cabinets, walls with bleach-water solution.

· Keep a photographic record of everything damaged or discarded.

· Discard carpets, curtains and everything that may have come in contact with contaminated water.

What if the water damage is very serious?

When the water or storm damage is especially severe, you will have to seek professional water cleanup and restoration services. Professional restoration companies have the experience, technicians and the equipment to tackle water damage of any size. The trained personnel will inspect the damage and bring out a tailored restoration process. They will conduct a large-scale restoration project and also monitor and document everything. In short, they will make your house in Rochelle Park livable again by providing expert water remediation services.