Water Damage Tips: 4 Steps to Take While You’re Waiting for Help to Arrive

8/7/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damaged ceilings in this Ponte Vedra home. Call SERVPRO, we now servicing the entire St Johns County! 904-449-4457!

Severe storms often leave homeowners trying to salvage what they can from water damage. If you experience a situation such as this, it’s crucial to call a restoration company you can rely on to repair the damages and return your home back to a clean, safe, and healthy state. However, while you’re waiting for professional help to arrive, there are a few important steps you should take to protect your property and begin the cleanup process.

SERVPRO of Greater St. Augustine / St. Augustine Beach is the first place Florida residents turn to when disaster strikes. They offer a variety of restoration and cleaning services that allow clients to get back to normal life as quickly as possible. Below, they go over what to do when your home has flooded after a storm: 

Assess the Damage

When it’s safe to do so, you will want to inspect your property to see how extensive the damage is. Look for things like missing shingles and holes in the roof, leaks in the ceiling, broken doors and windows, and damage to the siding. This will give you a good idea of whether or not your home is safe to stay in and what repairs will be needed.

Take Safety Precautions

Before doing anything else, make sure you’ve taken the proper precautions to keep yourself safe from harm. If you can get to your electrical panel without having to wade through water, turn off the power to avoid electrocution. You should also wear protective clothing, such as boots and gloves, when walking around inside.

Take Photos

Document all the damage to your home and personal belongings with photos. Go room by room and be thorough; this will serve as critical evidence in your insurance claim. The more documentation you can show, the easier it will be to go through the claims process and get all the compensation you need.  

Prevent Further Damages

It’s important that you do whatever’s possible to prevent further water damage. If there is still standing water, pump out what you can and mop up the excess. Your restoration company will be able to implement additional water extraction techniques when they get there. Then, remove any items that haven’t been affected by the water, and get everything off carpeted surfaces. It’s also a good idea to board up broken windows and place a tarp over the roof.

These steps are essential in making sure your home is able to fully recover from water damage. If you need assistance getting your property back to pre-storm condition, contact SERVPRO of Greater St. Augustine / St. Augustine Beach at (904) 429-4457. You can also visit them online for more information.