What To Do Until Help Arrives
The most important factor to focus on after any situation with water damage is safety. General questions to ask yourself to gain this assurance are:
- Would it be logically safe to stay in the house?
- Are electrical wiring and cords secured?
- Are there any spills/slipping hazards?
- Is this activity safe for me to perform?
- Is this wet material too heavy to move/ will it cause danger?
When in doubt, consult a water damage specialist. They can inspect your property for safety, assess the damages and even consult with your insurance adjuster if necessary.
Do You Have a Water Damage Emergency? Call OneRestore!
We are available 24/7 – 352-390-6549!
We are a local restoration company here to help during your emergency and after. We provide every aspect of Water Damage Restoration including Flood Water Extraction, Reconstruction and Remodeling. We provide free inspections and written estimates.
Things TO DO After Flooding:
- Take photos and make of a list of all the damage that has occurred due to flooding
- Wear protective clothing, boots and rubber gloves
- Turn off power and water for the home
- Check for damaged power and gas lines (you might be able to detect this by smelling gas)
- Watch out for rodents, snakes or insects that might have come in with the flood
- Check to see if electrical wiring is secured
- Check for other damages in pilings, stairs, floors or walls
- Check stability of items that could potentially fall over (like cabinets)
- Mop up excess water to avoid slipping
- Wipe or mop excess water underneath and around wood furniture
- Place wood blocks or aluminum foil between wet carpeting and furniture legs
- To allow for maximum drying, use air conditioner
- Use a wet vac, dehumidifier, desiccants (drying agent), and fans to start the drying process
- Remove area rugs from on top of carpeting
- Allow cushions to air dry by removing from wet furniture and propping them up
- Move knick-knacks, art objects, decor, or other lose items to a safe, dry place
- Check for foundation cracks or exterior damage
- Use plastic wrap to temporarily patch holes in the walls
- Remove debris
- Remove water that is trapped inside the walls
- Check that you have clean running water available before drinking or using it to clean
- Flush the toilet before use to expel any debris or mud and ensure proper function
- Wash hands often during clean-up process
- Due to the fact that there may be mold in the walls, remove all wall coverings, dry wall, finished ceilings and insulation that have come in contact with water
- Keep a piece of damaged property (wall and flooring) to show insurance adjuster
- Throw out padded furniture and foam rubber that are exposed to water from outside the home or wet for an extended period of time
- Throw out foods that could have been exposed to water (including canned goods and beverages)
- Throw out soft plastic dishware (like Tupperware) that have come into contact with water
- Thoroughly disinfect dishes and hard surfaces with soap and hot water
- Take wooden items outside to dry after wiping them down as meticulously as possible
- Freeze items such as photographs, books and other documents to preserve them
- If considerable damage has occurred, contact a water restoration specialist. They can help review your home insurance, consult with your adjuster, and manage the cleanup process.
OneRestore has helped hundreds of home and business owners get back to normal after severe water and flood damage – it is our specialty. Contact us for a free inspection and evaluation. We serve most of North Central Florida including Ocala, The Villages, Gainesville and Crystal River areas.
What NOT TO DO:
- DO NOT try electrical or structural reconstructions by yourself as it can be very dangerous
- DO NOT use household vacuums to absorb water or mud
- DO NOT use devices or gadgets that require electricity (such as generators or TVs)
- DO NOT enter rooms where the floor or ceiling is sagging
- DO NOT enter your home or building if structural damage is visible
- DO NOT use appliances, lights or ceiling fans if the ceiling is wet.
- DO NOT connect a generator to the home’s power system
- DO NOT use camp stoves, grills, or generators inside closed areas or inside your home
- DO NOT let debris or other garbage pile up (this can increase the likelihood of mosquitoes and other unwanted guests)
