How To Deal With Water Damage in 5 Steps

10/18/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage in a Forest Park, IL storage area

How To Deal With Water Damage in 5 Steps

Water incidents can devastate your home in Forest Park, IL, if they are not dealt with immediately. They can leave behind massive water damage, which not only ruins the residence's look but also endangers its stability. Reduce damage to your home by taking the following steps after such an incident.

1. Check for Safety

Before dealing with the damage, you should ensure you and everyone else in the area is safe. A flooded area can have electrical hazards, toxic chemicals or other dangers enhanced by water. Disconnect all power before approaching.

2. Find and Stop the Source

If the area is safe, determine the water source and stop the flow, if possible. These incidents are sometimes caused by natural flooding or an outside leak. Find the entrance and seal it. Other times, these incidents occur due to damaged or broken pipes. Stop the leakage if you can or turn off the water supply to the pipes or house.

3. Call for Assistance

Water damage is something you cannot solve by yourself, so be prepared to contact the necessary services. First, call 911 if you or someone else is injured or if there is a dangerous situation. Then, contact a professional water cleanup company to deal with both excess water and the damage done to the home. Finally, call the insurance company.

4. Clear Excess Water

While you may not be able to deal with the water incident entirely, you can still take steps to clear some of the excess water. Depending on the source, you can use a mop or a water vacuum to clear the majority. Air conditioning, a fan or an open window can also dry out the area effectively. If it is too dangerous, wait for the cleanup professionals.

5. Assess the Damage

Now that the water has been removed, you can inspect the severity and size of the damage. Take note of details, as this information can be helpful for the insurance and cleanup companies.
Water damage can leave lasting consequences. Through quick action, you can prevent a disaster from permanently impacting your home.