Water Damage Claims And What To Do If Your Property Has Been Drenched
Water damage cleanup is a task that has to be done, and it's something you don't want to do if you can avoid it. However, in some cases, a water emergency is out of your control, which means you need to start cleaning up to prevent problems from worsening. It often needs to be done to assess the damage and begin with making insurance claims. The following water damage cleanup information will help you prepare to make claims and start restoring your home:
Assess Safety and Hazards First
The safety of an area affected by water damage should be the first issue you deal with. You want to assess the area for contamination and make sure that all your utilities have been turned off. You also want to be aware of any structural damage that can cause hazards when repairs need to be done.
Begin the Water Removal Process
The removal of water is one of the first issues that you are going to have to deal with. This should be your priority, and if you have any equipment available, you should start pumping the water out on your own. A water damage cleanup service can help you use larger pumps and industrial equipment designed to deal with floods and water damage problems. Once you have the water out, the rest of the cleanup work can also begin.
Cleaning Out Debris in the Affected Area
There is also debris that can come with water damage. Sometimes, this can be due to things you have in your home, backflow at drains, or debris that comes in with flooding. This debris will need to be cleaned out to finish cleaning up and remove materials that have been damaged. Ensure that you are using the appropriate safety gear for contamination and other hazards while cleaning up the debris.
Remove Materials and Objects Before Repairs
When dealing with water damage, there are going to be some materials and objects that need to be removed. You can start this work by removing personal property and furniture from the affected areas. There are also going to be other materials that need to be removed, such as carpet, drywall, and woodwork. The woodwork that needs to be removed can include cabinetry and wood trim like baseboards. If the wood has not been submerged in water, it can often be reused or left in place.
The cleanup after water damage is a long process that needs to be done before repairs can be done. Contact a water damage cleanup service to help deal with these issues when you need to put your home back together.
For more information, contact a company like Water Emergency Services Inc.