Water damage from harsh weather conditions or a ruptured pipe can be one of the most devastating events a homeowner will encounter. In the event of water damage, most of your valuables are likely irreparable, the cleaning process can be laborious, and the risk of mold development can persist for weeks. But with quick action and an organized strategy, you can recover from water damage as hassle-free as possible by getting off on the right foot.
Essential Measures to Take After Water Damage
Water damage in a home can cause devastating financial and emotional losses. It can ruin structures, walls, floors, and furnishings and causes mold growth. Fortunately, by adhering to the essential steps below, homeowners can minimize the effects of water damage in their houses.
1. Identify the Damage
Identifying the extent of the damage is the first stage in water damage recovery. Determine the scope by inspecting the affected areas. Additionally, watch out for any signs of mold growth, which poses a severe health hazard. To support your insurance claim, take pictures of the water damage as evidence.
2. Cut off the Electricity and Water Supply
When it’s safe to do so, homeowners should turn off their electricity and water supply. Wet electrical outlets raise the risk of a fire or an electrical short in the wiring behind the walls if the power is left on. If you notice that a fuse box has water in it or is overheating, it is vital that you seek professional assistance to prevent accidents. After turning off the power, those living there can safely disconnect and remove damaged appliances.
3. Ventilate the Home
If the house isn’t dried out thoroughly, moisture may reappear. Direct airflow can be achieved by opening windows and doors to allow for a cross breeze and by making use of dehumidifiers and electric fans. Once power is restored, if it is safe to do so, leave the air conditioner running continuously to remove moisture and dry the home. For effective and efficient drying of your home, it may be necessary to seek the aid of professional water removal in Honolulu.
4. Sanitize and Clean the Home
After drying the area, the next step is to clean, sanitize and deodorize the walls, floors, and personal valuables. Water damage can contain hazardous germs and likely will induce an unpleasant odor. You can use environment-friendly and safe cleaners to sanitize all objects that came in contact with water. For personal items with a tough odor, some water restoration firms offer an odor removal service to help save important possessions.
5. Fix the Damage
Once you finished cleaning and disinfecting your home, most of the job associated with recovering from water damage can be done by you as long as you are ready and prepared to put in a great deal of time and effort. However, many homeowners will opt for specialised property restoration services due to the nature of the work and the mold risk associated with it.
Conclusion
Recovering from water damage can be a difficult and time-consuming procedure. However, if you move quickly and comply with the actions outlined above, you can reduce the damage and avoid further issues. However, if the damage is serious and you are unsure about the restoration procedure, hire a professional water damage restoration company to fix and restore your home to its pre-damage state.
