Water is essential to our lives, but it can also cause damage to our homes. To begin the restoration process, it’s vital to remain calm and focused, assess the damage, and determine what needs to be done. There are many causes of damage, including natural disasters, internal breakdowns, and appliance malfunctions. It doesn’t matter what the reason is, there is always a correct response. To find a quick solution, it is imperative not to panic but to use that energy to find a quick solution without wasting time pondering what-ifs. Here are some steps you should take to prepare your home for water damage restoration in the event that it ever occurs. Here’s what Dr Quick Dry advises its clients to do about water damage restoration.
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Prioritizing Safety
Before attempting to assess the damage, taking precautions and thinking about safety is necessary. Water can cause ”invisible” but actual damage to the structure. Multiple different aftermaths can result from water damage to a home. Wear protective gloves, masks, and boots if you decide to enter your home. Water damage situations require professional expertise, so you should get professional help if your home has been affected by water. The process of restoration starts with getting everyone to safety first. The next step is to contact professionals who can assess the amount of damage and create a restoration plan.
Turn off the Main Water Supply
If water is pouring inside your home for any reason, shut off any water supply sources as soon as it is safe. The more time the house is exposed to moisture, the worse it will get, and for this reason alone, it is vital to react quickly but cautiously. Water is the first to affect porous materials like wood and drywall. Leaving your home unattended for days can lead to mold growth in humid areas. Don’t risk putting yourself in danger if you don’t know where the main valve is.
Make Sure the Power Is Turned off
Water and electricity are deadly combinations, so you must turn off your electricity before starting any restoration work.
Once you cut off the electricity and water supply to your home, you will be able to investigate the extent of the damage. After that, you will be able to estimate what is worth saving and plan a restoration.
Damage Source
Identify the source of the damage before you enter the premises. There are several reasons why it’s essential to understand what you’re dealing with, but the most important is your safety. There are three levels of contamination associated with invading water.
First, water is coming from inside your houses, such as a broken pipe or a washing machine. The second is sewage water which poses enough danger and requires protective equipment. Floods are the third level, and floodwater has toxins, so you shouldn’t remove it alone due to a lack of knowledge or equipment.
Recover Valuables
It is advisable to preserve as many valuables as possible, as long as you don’t expose yourself to any harm. Take a plastic bag and put the documents inside. Afterward, you can move on to memorabilia such as old photos, artwork, or record collections. Last but not least, you should save appliances and move furniture that’s worth saving.
Get in Touch With Professionals
Whatever the situation, all you need is an extra pair of hands and the right tools. Restoring water damage is a serious business that requires planning, safety, and good judgment.