Water damage in a home can have serious consequences for not only your property but also for the health of you and your family members. When dealing with water-related damage, it is important to act quickly. Cleaning up the water within the first 48 hours is essential for preventing mold and other organisms from growing and spreading throughout the home. Whether your flooding is due to a natural event or a mechanical emergency, such as a broken pipe, here are the steps you need to take when dealing with severe water-related damage.

Safety First

Everyone knows that water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Even if water is not visibly touching an electrical source, it can still be seeping up the walls and into your home’s electrical system. Shut off power to all flooded areas to ensure your safety. If your electrical box is surrounded by water, contact your electric company for assistance. Then, arm yourself and any helpers with masks to guard against mold, bacteria and fungus that may already be growing in flooded areas.

Clean Up and Salvage Steps

Once safety has been secured, begin removing all standing water from your home using a sump pump or a bucket. After the bulk of the water has been removed, assess the damage to see what might be salvageable. According to North Dakota State University, any water-soaked wall and ceiling materials should be removed and thrown away. Then, any salvageable carpet should be removed and dried completely before re-installing.

Contact Professional Services

Even after you do the initial clean up, there may still be moisture lurking in your home. In addition to contacting your insurance provider, you may also need professionals to complete a thorough inspection to ensure your home is free from excess water and mold. Finally, arrange for any remodeling services that are necessary to replace or clean damaged areas of your home.

Water damage is one of the most common catastrophes to occur in a home. Whether your damage is due to a burst pipe or a major storm, you will need to begin working on removing the water as soon as it is safe to enter your home. By acting quickly to dry your home and removed damaged materials, you will be able to preserve the value and safety of your home.