First 24 Hours After Water Damage

A severe storm, flash flood, burst pipe, or appliance leak can happen suddenly and may seem to come without any warning at all. When you notice evidence of moisture intrusion or water damage, time is of the essence. In fact, the first 24 hours after a water damage event are critical and can affect the extent of the damage and the cost of restorations and repairs. Here’s a step-by-step guide for what to do after water damage that can help you reduce the effects of moisture intrusion at your property.

1.    Make safety a priority.

Before water damage can be addressed, it is essential that your property is safe to enter and walk around in. If there is a significant amount of standing water or there could be a risk of electrical hazards, make sure all power to the affected areas is turned off. Keep in mind that standing water could be contaminated, particularly if you are dealing with the effects of flooding or a sewage backup.

If you are not fully confident about the safety conditions of your property, then the first step to take is to call on a professional to assess the situation.

2.    Shut off the source of water if possible.

If you are dealing with water damage that has been caused by an issue on the interior of your property, locate and shut off the source right away. Whether the cause is a burst pipe or a leaking appliance, the sooner the flow of moisture is halted, the quicker you can move on to the next steps of remedying the situation.

When it comes to external issues such as storms, you can limit the potential for further water intrusion by sealing leaks or covering areas that are being exposed to water.

3.    Reach out to a professional water damage restoration company.

Our number-one emergency cleanup tip is to get in touch with a water damage restoration company that offers 24/7 responses. Because time is so critical when it comes to minimizing water damage, the last thing you want to have to do is wait for a team to arrive. At Summit Restoration & Construction, we can swiftly visit your home or business to begin evaluating the extent of the damage and start the mitigation process.

4.    Remove standing water and dry the affected area.

Once your property has been deemed safe to enter and the flow of water has been shut off, water removal, drying, and dehumidifying are the next steps. Without professional support, you’ll likely be limited to using towels, a mop, or a wet/dry vacuum. However, these tools simply aren’t effective for significant flooding. That’s why professional-grade equipment is often a must. Our experts come fully prepared with powerful vacuums, water pumps, and industrial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers to get your property dry and ready for restoration as quickly as possible.

5.    Document the damage before the full cleanup begins.

While you may be eager to move straight to cleanup, don’t skip the step of documenting water damage. Photos and videos are essential for the insurance claims process so that you can be properly compensated for your losses.

Reach Out to Summit Restoration & Construction for Support

For an experienced team that knows exactly what to do after water damage, call on the experts at Summit Restoration & Construction. Our services cover everything from mold remediation to insurance documentation, water cleanup, and full restoration for homes and businesses. Get in touch with us today for the support you need during an emergency!