Experiencing a flood in your home or business can be a traumatic event. From dealing with the cause to safeguarding your precious items, it is easy to become overwhelmed. To ensure you are able to manage the situation and keep everyone safe, it's important to be calm and take the necessary steps.
What To Do
- Try to identify the source
To identify the water source, check to see if you have any standing water first. This could be coming from outside your home or business, such as a river overflowing its banks, sewer back-ups, or a broken pipe inside the walls of your building. You may also have an issue with water pressure, such as a burst pipe or leaking faucet. Once you identify the source of the water, it's important to shut off that source to limit further damage. - Call Total Restoration
Once you’ve identified the source of water and shut off the water main valve, it is important to call a professional restoration company. At Total Restoration, we specialize in fast and efficient water damage restoration services. We have the necessary tools, equipment, and expertise to restore your property as quickly as possible. - Shut off the water main valve (if safe)
Shutting off the water main valve should be done as soon as possible. Depending on your setup, this might be located at a utility wall in your basement or near your exterior hose bibs. - Turn off electricity supply to affected area
It is essential to turn off the electricity in the affected area to avoid shock or electrocution. If you don’t know how to do this, contact a qualified electrician who can safely shut it down for you. - Salvage any important contents
If you have time and are able, remove any irreplaceable items that may be affected by the water. You should also store important items in plastic totes, if possible, to avoid any further damage. - Take photos
Usually, insurance companies will require a detailed list of damaged items and photos. To ensure you have proof and the most accurate information for your claim, take pictures or videos of the damages before any salvage or cleanup begins.
What Not To Do
- Use a vacuum or Shop-Vac to remove water
Using a vacuum or shop vac is not recommended for removing standing water from carpets or other surfaces. The pressure is likely too low to effectively remove the water, and it will only damage your floors more. - Turn on any appliances in the affected areas
It is important not to turn on any electrical devices when there has been a flood. Doing so could cause further damage, or electrocution. - Stand in rooms with sagging ceilings
If you have a room with a sagging ceiling, stay out of that room and get help from an experienced professional immediately. A collapsing ceiling can cause serious injury if not handled properly. - Attempt to dry area with electric heaters or fans
Although electric heaters and/or fans may seem like a good idea, they can be dangerous and should not be used to dry wet areas. - Delay calling a restoration company or do it yourself
When dealing with water damage, it is important to act quickly. The longer the water sits, the more extensive the damage and the more difficult it will be to restore it. It is best to call a professional restoration company right away who has the necessary experience and tools to restore your property.
Call us to get started
At Total Restoration, we specialize in fast and efficient water damage restoration services. Call us today for a free consultation. We’re here to help!