Time is of the essence! Call a professional to help stop the source of the water before the issue escalates even further. When that problem is taken care of, you can use the following tips to make sure the cleanup and restoration process are as fast and cost-effective as possible:
- Turn off the power to affected rooms and be aware of electrical appliances and outlets near water-soaked surfaces.
- Remove any furniture or items that have not been damaged and place them in a dry room.
- Wipe all wood and other non-carpeted surfaces dry.
- Dry fabrics as soon as possible and prop up furniture cushions to dry evenly.
- Place aluminum foil under furniture legs to prevent carpet stains.
- Call your insurance company to report the loss.
- Take pictures and notes to document the damage.
- Do NOT use a household vacuum to remove the water—unless you’d like to buy a new one.
Within minutes, the water spreads to as many areas as it can, increasing the potential damage very quickly. Within hours, the unpleasant aroma of mold starts to develop, attacking your home (and your nose) in full force within days and weeks. It is always best to call a professional to fully and thoroughly restore your home in the event of water damage, but following the above tips can save you some serious financial and emotional stressors.
