What To Do About Water Damage

If your home has suffered significant water damage, then it can often be confusing to know where to start. In this article, you'll learn about first securing your safety. Then, questions regarding the technicalities of insurance will be covered. Finally, you'll discover the benefit of responding quickly and determining how soon you can comfortably return to living in your home.

Safety First

When first responding to water damage, the most important step is your safety. First, water conducts electricity. Be certain that your electricity is turned off. If you don't know how to check, then do not attempt to wade through dangerous puddles that could electrocute you. Call a professional immediately. The other danger is the cleanliness of the water. Sewage is a common threat to your health following a flood. If there is waste in the pools, the scene is considered a biohazard and needs to be cleaned by specialists with protective clothing and equipment. If there is any doubt, don't attempt to risk your health or life. Your best course of action is to pick up your phone and make some calls.

Insurance and Water Damage

Many people assume the insurance company is the first call to make. However, it may be better to call a specialist when dealing with damage caused by flooding in particular. It's easy to get confused with the insurance ramifications. Some policies cover it under certain circumstances, and others don't. Typically, floods are not covered by homeowner's insurance. A separate policy for flood insurance should be in place. Some policies cover water damage if it was due to high winds during a storm. Complicating the fact even more, mold growth may be present if it was caused over a longer period of time. To really know if your policy can cover the problem, it's often best to deal with restoration companies that offer to haggle with the insurance company directly on your behalf. This can save you significant frustration in restoring your home.

The Benefits of Responding Quickly

Because it can often be overwhelming to deal with the many facets of water damage and restoration, some people find themselves delayed. However, the longer you wait to deal with it, the more likely mold growth will result. By responding quickly, you prevent any further damage from being done as it soaks into porous materials. The difference between dealing with a minor repair or major project is often a matter of days. That's why it's important to know where to start and take action immediately.

How Soon Can Your Home Be Restored?

While each situation is unique, you may be surprised to find that your home can be restored faster than you think. To answer the question for certain, the damage needs to be assessed and the water removed. Materials, such as metal, can be treated to prevent rust. Other materials can be dried. A fast response often means saving things that would have otherwise been a total loss. To know exactly how soon you can picture yourself comfortably restored in your home, contact a professional immediately.