Immediate Steps to Take After Water Damage in Your Home

9/25/2024 (Permalink)

This flooded kitchen was caused by a leak under the sink.

Water damage in your home can be distressing and overwhelming. The aftermath can be devastating, whether caused by a burst pipe, a leaking roof, or a natural disaster. Acting quickly and efficiently is crucial to minimize damage and restore your home to its preloss condition. If you are experiencing a water damage emergency at your home in Central Buffalo, NY, contact SERVPRO of Central Buffalo for 24-hour emergency water damage restoration services!

Protect Yourself & Your Family

After a water damage emergency, the first thing to do is to ensure you and your family are safe. This includes turning off your home's power supply and unplugging all damaged electrical appliances to prevent electric shock or fire risks. If the water damage is extensive, it might be best to evacuate the premises until it is safe to return.

Identify the Source of Water Damage

After ensuring the safety of your loved ones, your top priority should be to identify the source of the water damage and stop the leak. The most common residential water damage is caused by plumbing issues such as burst pipes, leaky faucets, and faulty water heaters; natural disasters causing floods, heavy rain, and storms; or an appliance malfunction, a leaky roof, or a construction defect. You can stop the water flow with a shut-off valve for broken pipes, sprinkler heads, or domestic water issues. Know where your building's shut-off valves are located to be prepared for a water damage emergency.

Document the Damage & Contact Your Insurance Company

After pinpointing the source of the leak, it's essential to take photographs to track the progression of the damage. If you have photos of the affected area before the water damage occurred, be sure to keep those as well. If you cannot find the source of the leak, it's crucial to contact a professional remediation company to find the leak and reduce additional damage to your home.

Following the subsidence of water, it is imperative to promptly engage your homeowners' insurance provider. The extent of water damage coverage is contingent upon your policy's specifics. The insurance company will coordinate the dispatch of an adjuster to assess the damage and confirm eligibility for coverage. At SERVPRO®, we understand water damage can cause immense stress, which is why our team is prepared to manage the insurance paperwork and process to provide you with a stress-free claims process!

Remove Standing Water

Removing standing water and eliminating moisture in your home are crucial steps in water damage remediation, so it's best to do these as soon as possible. Initiating the drying process within the first 24 hours and drying a property completely within four days helps prevent risks of microbial growth and further issues. If you can't wait until our SERVPRO team arrives to begin water extraction, we suggest you start the extraction by using buckets or rent a shop vac from your local home improvement center to remove the water from your house.

Check for Early Signs of Mold

After water damage, it's essential to check for early signs of mold to prevent any potential health hazards. Within the first 24-72 hours after your water damage, mold can grow within your home. The first step is to thoroughly inspect areas prone to moisture or affected by your flood, such as basements, crawl spaces, and plumbing fixtures. Look for visible signs of mold, such as discoloration or black spots on walls, ceilings, or floors. Musty odors can also indicate the presence of mold.

Additionally, watch for any signs of water damage, such as water stains, peeling paint, or warping wood, as these can indicate mold growth. If any early signs of mold are found, it's crucial to address them promptly to prevent further spread and potential health issues. At SERVPRO of Central Buffalo, we offer professional mold remediation services to eliminate any mold from your home and ensure your family and pets are not exposed to the severe health risks mold possesses.

Contact the Water Damage Restoration Experts in Central Buffalo, NY

Dealing with water damage can be a daunting task, but you don't have to face it alone. SERVPRO of Central Buffalo is here to help. Our highly trained professionals are available 24/7 to respond to your emergency. We use advanced equipment and techniques to quickly remove water, dry your property, and restore your home to its original state. Contact us today to get the expert help you need and ensure your home is safe and dry. Call SERVPRO of Central Buffalo at (716)412-6800 or visit our website for more information.