When dealing with untreated water damage, several potential health hazards are associated with this situation. These comprise bacteria, viruses, molds, fungi, chemicals, and gases. These substances can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, eye irritation, headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, etc.

One of the most immediate risks when experiencing water damage is to your property, possessions, and family. It can be challenging to see these items ruined by a flood or other disaster that leaves them soaked with wetness. However, left untreated, water damage can also harm the integrity of the structure of your home.

1. Call Your Insurance Company

Your homeowners’ insurance will vary, counting on what policies you have. The insurance company will dispatch an adjuster to look at and evaluate the damage and determine if it is a covered loss. Document the value of every item you can think of and take as many photos as possible before, during, and after cleanup. This will help the adjuster when they can assess the damage.

2. Protecting Yourself, Appliances, and Valuables

The most crucial step in any significant home disaster like flooding and water damage is to ensure you and your family are secure. There are many things you can do to stay safe in your home

• Turn off the power
• Wear Protective Gear
• Protect Your Valuables

3. Start Water Damage Repair Immediately

Before starting the water damage removal process in a flooded home, document all of the damage first. This will help with any prospective insurance claims you make. If possible, water damage rehabilitation should start 24-48 hours after being cleared to re-enter your home. The damage is too vast for one person or family in many situations. Get help from a restoration service to stay safe and guarantee the water damage removal process is done correctly.

4. How to Dry Out Water Damage and Reduce Humidity

If you decide to begin the drying procedure yourself, wear protective gear. Decide what is salvageable and throw away anything too damaged or no longer safe to use. With a lot of standing water, remove it with buckets or plastic tubs. Then use a mop to absorb excess moisture in hard-to-reach areas. Next, rent a wet-dry vacuum from local hardware or even a grocery store to finish the job once most of the water is gone and let the zone ventilate and dry exhaustively. Using a dehumidifier can help ramp up this process. If there isn’t too much-standing water, you can use the wet-dry vacuum from the start.

5. Identifying Mold

Mold can begin growing after the first 24 hours of a flood, and once it has started growing, it can be tough to remove. The quicker you remove items from water and start drying them, the less likely they will be lost to mold. Unfortunately, you’ll often have to remove the affected areas if it gets bad. It’s always best to err on caution and have a professional assess the situation.

6. Deciding What Needs To Be Restored After Water Damage

The repair of water damage in your home from flooding usually is what makes the most extended amount of time. Flooring and occasionally even walls need to be replaced, broken possessions are often in need of repair, etc. If major construction is required, make sure you hire an expert!

7. When To Move Back Into Your Home

Once you have the go-ahead from your insurance firm, construction company, and local government, it’s time to move back into your clean, dry, mold-free home!

If you live in a flood zone or encounter heavy rains, you should be prepared for flooding. The best way to prepare for a flood is to know where the water is coming from and how much will enter your home. One commonplace for flooding is in your basement. Finding the water source coming into your home will help you decide whether or not you need to evacuate. If you are evacuating, you should pack essential documents, medications, and other items that you may need during evacuation.