Just when you least expect it water damage can happen in your home and it can leave you wondering exactly what to do, and how to prevent it from causing more damage. Being able to stop the problem from happening again is also important. There are many different causes for water damage in your home and getting things back to normal once you have water damage in your home will need to be assessed by a properly trained home restoration contractor such as Michigan Restoration Pros. If you have any problems with water damage be sure to contact us right away to get your home back to normal quickly.
The Five Steps Every Homeowner Needs To Take When Dealing With Water Damage
Whether is be from a natural disaster, a burst water pipe or just too much rain, water damage is one of the worst things a homeowner can deal with. And with the cold Michigan weather and storms that occur regularly it’s a good chance that your home may be the victim of water damage. It doesn’t just affect the home itself, but everyone and everything inside. Standing water doesn’t just ruin your belonging, but promotes mold growth, spreads disease, carries chemicals and can cause various injuries. So it is important that you are prepared and know what you need to do to get the water dealt with quickly and stay safe. Once the mold starts to grow in your home chances are you’ll need a professional to remove it safely.
There are five key steps that every homeowner needs to take when dealing with water damage, no matter how much water is in your home. They are:
- Turn Off Electricity: You never want to deal with any kind of water damage while there is still electricity flowing through the house. It is very easy to get electrocuted and, depending on how high the voltage it, can even be killed. So if you can safely turn off the electricity before going throughout the home, that should be your first priority. The gas should also be turned off if you can reach it. If there is any doubt in your mind that you can safely do this you should wait, call the electrician, and let them know so they can do it. If you’re unsure about turning on the power to your home, it’s best to get a qualified contractor to come out and disconnect your power. It’s best to be safe than sorry.
- Find The Source: Sometimes it is very clear where and why there is water damage. This is obvious when there is flooding and heavy rain, but when there isn’t a clear reason it is important to find out what the source is. Turn off the water in your home and see if it still continues to flow. Look at the appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and shower heads to rule out the big stuff. If there isn’t an appliance or obvious cause, you should then call a plumber to take a look.
- Gear Up: If you are going to walk through the home after severe water damage, whether it be a few inches or feet, you need to wear the proper gear. Rubber boots are a must, but waders are recommended for higher water levels. It is also important to wear gloves and a mask because you never know what chemicals, bacteria or other contaminants are in the water.
- Document The Damage: Before you start cleaning up and removing items from you homes it is important to fully document the damage the water has caused. This is so your insurance company has the evidence they need to process your claim and cover the damage.
- Dry Everything Properly: If your home and the things in it aren’t allowed to dry properly then you greatly increase your chances of mold and mildew growing. Once mold starts to grow it can be nearly impossible to get rid of it. And as the mold grows it spreads to different areas of your home. Typically, the only guarantee to fully remove all the items mold has touched. This is why it is so important to make sure everything is fully dry in your home.
Call us today if you have water damage in your Michigan home. We are a fully qualified and licensed home restoration contractor in Michigan. Call us today at (248) 509-8104 for more details.
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