- home
- smart tips
- water damage restoration smart tips
- Water Damage Dos and Don'ts
Water Damage Dos and Don'ts
By 123Cleanup.com
There is hardly anything that can beat out advance planning and the necessary training when it comes to addressing the problem of water damage. There are many pieces of advice that all point out the need for quick action. This is rightly so because the longer the water stays within the property, the more time it has to cause havoc. There are some basic guidelines that property owners can benefit from in dealing with water damage to minimize the loss that is experienced.
Do start off at the source
It is logical to start the restoration process with the shutting off of the water at the source. Depending on the source of the flooding, this could either mean turning off the water supply of the property or waiting for the flood waters to subside before pushing through with the repairs. However, this does not mean that nothing should be done while the water is coming in. Property owners can shield valuables such as books and documents by moving them to a different location. Dam barriers can also be made using sandbags and other similar materials.
Don't forget to shut off the appliances
Turn off the electricity in the property by making sure that the main circuit breaker is switched off. This will not only prevent the danger of electrocution for those within the property but it will also save a lot of the appliance from short-circuiting. If it is still safe to do so, remove the electrical appliances from the area affected the water. Call a professional if there is doubt about the safety of the room, especially if the water has reached the levels of the electrical outlets. To guarantee access to the proper training, only conduct business with those companies that are actually licensed to engage in water damage restoration.
Do assess the damage objectively
Check to see what items can be salvaged from the water damage. Take note of any materials that are going to be thrown out and if they are covered by insurance, document them. Call a proper conservator for antiques in order to assess the kind of restoration that needs to be done on them. Property owners should know that the restoration of valuables such as old books and antiques are different from the ordinary water damage cleanup so the proper authority on the subject should be contacted.
Don't forget the papers
Papers such as document and books need to be treated differently from other items, which can stand the presence of water better than the porous materials of paper. To minimize damage in this instance, freeze the papers within 48 hours of the water damage. This will make it easier for the items to be transported to a professional drying facility. Refrain from opening the pages because wet paper can tear easily. In addition to this, do not stack books on top of each other because that can result in the sticking together of the pages. If the books are not wet, but merely damp, they can be air dried naturally.
