Tips And Tricks After Flooding Causes Water Damage

Walking into a flooded home is devastating and overwhelming. You automatically begin to panic and wonder what to do, who to call, how to respond? Water damage emergencies often catch us unexpectedly, and can happen anywhere in the home, at any time, and from a number of different causes. Knowing how to respond will help get the situation handled quickly and correctly. 

Water Damage In Independence, KS

Here is what you need to know if your home suffers water damage from flooding.

1. Make Safety The Priority

The most important thing following any form of water damage in your home is safety. Before entering the area, turn off all power to the affected area. Avoid turning on any appliances while standing on wet floors. If the ceiling is sagging, bowing, or leaking large amounts of water, do not enter the room. Use extreme caution when walking on wet surfaces. Because water can carry harmful contaminants, make sure to avoid contact with your skin. The single best thing you can do for your safety, and the safety of your family, is to call a water damage restoration company that has the proper tools, equipment, gear, training, certification, and experience to handle the situation carefully. 

2. Know The Location Of Your Main Water Line

Your home has a main water shut-off valve located somewhere on the premises. Knowing where and how to shut off your home’s main water supply can greatly decrease the amount of water allowed to flood into your home from pipes, appliances, and other indoor fixtures. The first stop to mitigating damage, and getting the disaster cleaned up, is stopping the flow of water. If you do not know the location of your water main, you won’t be able to shut it off in case of an emergency. Typically the water main shut off valve will be located near the front foundation wall in the basement, within 3-5 feet of where the main water enters. It is also commonly located in a mechanical room or near the water heater or furnace. In some homes, it can be found under the kitchen sink. If you are unsure where your water main valve is located, and if you do not know how to turn it on and off, a professional restoration company can help you find it and show you how to work it. 

3. Record And Document All Damages

Keeping an accurate record of your belongings damaged by water, even using photos for documentation, will help you know what needs repaired or replaced. If it is safe to do so, remove as many items from the damaged areas as possible to reduce water exposure and mitigate damage. All valuables should try to be saved and cleaned off as quickly as possible. If you are able to submit a claim to your homeowners insurance, you will need to show proof of damage so records and photos will definitely help with that process. 

4. Call All Clear Services Right Away

When flooding affects your home, a quick response will provide the best results with the least amount of damage. Our water damage experts are on call 24/7 for emergency response so we can begin working to restore your home in Independence, KS as soon as possible.