When unexpected damages occur to your home and your emotions are running high, it is important to remember that time is of the essence. Your first priority after reporting any claim is to immediately curtail any further damage to your property. If the damage is substantial, make sure to ask your insurance carrier if using a disaster restoration company is your best option to aid you during the recovery/claims process. If approved, most restoration companies will work directly with your carrier to make sure you recapture your peace of mind.
In part one of a three part series, here is some practical advice from the team over at ServiceMaster Clean Restoration on what to do when mitigating water damage to your home.
Emergency Damage Control Tips: Water
What NOT to Do:
- Do not enter a room with standing water until electricity has been turned off.
- Do not use a regular household vacuum to remove water.
- Do not lift tacked-down carpet without professional help.
- Do not use electrical appliances while on web carpet or flooring.
- Do not disturb visible mold.
What to Do:
- Take detailed photos and keep receipts for all of your costs during the recovery process.
- Damage from water and bacteria growth can begin within hours. If approved, call a professional.
- Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.
- Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings not permanently attached. Do not attempt to start removing your wall-to-wall carpet.
- Lift draperies off the floor, loop through a coat hanger, and place the hanger on the drapery rod.
- Wipe furniture, prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying, and place aluminum foil under furniture legs.
- Move photos, paintings, and art objects to a safe, dry location.
- Do not remove books from shelves. Rather pack them tightly to prevent warping of pages until a restoration professional can begin this specialized drying.
If you need to report a claim and want a list of disaster recovery companies in the Greater Charleston-Metro Area, click HERE.
-Taylor Agency
