Water damage can come from many different sources, whether it's a natural or human-made disaster like a hurricane, severe flooding, flooded toilet, or even a busted pipe. These types of emergencies can cause significant water damage in your home and might need professional help. Ensure your family's health and safety by knowing the source of the damage and when to start the cleaning process. Water that comes from sewage or a flood should not be handled without a professional and proper equipment. Additionally, mold is always something to watch out for. After water damage, mold can grow in as little as 24 hours.

What To Do For Water Damage Restoration

After your home has sustained water damage, try to contain the water within the affected areas. You can start to remove standing water by mopping or blot drying with a towel. Make sure to save your furniture by wiping it down, placing a piece of foil between the wet floor and furniture legs, and prop up any furniture cushions and pillows. Your drapes were most likely not spared, so you can begin by taking them off their hooks and letting them dry out. Remove your rugs from the wet floor and put them outside or in an area where they can dry. Also, work on relocating all of your artwork, pictures, and valuable possessions to a safe and dry area. Open as many closet doors and furniture drawers as you can so that the items inside can remain dry and free of mold.

What Not To Do After Water Damage

When you have water damage in your home, it is critical that you do not use electricity or appliances in this area. This means not using a vacuum cleaner to remove standing water in your home. Do not turn any lights in the area on or off unless you can get to the electricity source. Avoid using newspaper on the floor, because it could stay in the carpet or wood. If any carpeting is tacked down, don't try to lift it and remove it; it's best to call in a professional. One of the most important things to remember is that if the water has come from sewage or contaminated sources, do not try to clean it up yourself.

Call In The Pros

After an emergency, make sure to call in a restoration professional as soon as possible. This is the first action you should take to prevent mold and other damage to your home. Make sure to look for a company that is IICRC certified and can be reached 24/7. Remember, some leaks are not as apparent as others, and water damage can continue to wreak havoc on your home without you realizing it. When you call in a professional, they can find the source, shut the water off, and make sure it doesn't happen again. Trust the professionals with the right expertise and equipment to get the job done.