Water damage is the most common problem homeowners face. Sources of water damage are plentiful; from weather to plumbing, water can enter homes in a variety of ways and can cause a broad spectrum of damage. Smart homeowners learn how to handle water problems before they happen; a quick response to water damage in Olathe, KS, mitigates damages and speeds recovery.
Preparation
Water damage is unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to prepare. The following suggestions will help you react fast:
- Recognize possible sources. Where is water damage likely to occur in your home? Can water enter your home from external sources such as rivers and streams? Will rain or snow breakthrough to your attic from a roof in ill repair? Is your plumbing system healthy?
- Consider responses to water events. Do you know where your water shut-off valves are for plumbing fixtures? Do you have the tools needed to turn them? Do you have supplies to stave off flooding from weather events? Do you own a wet/dry vac to help extract floodwaters?
Response
Once the water event has occurred, it’s time to take rapid action to mitigate the damage.
- Be safe. Take a moment to think about safety. Water and electricity don’t mix; if water levels reach above baseboards, it’s wise to shut off power to the area before entering. Keep children and pets away from the water. And don’t enter the wet space without donning PPE. Floodwaters often include harmful bacteria or other pollutants that can cause serious health problems.
- Assess the situation. Where is the water coming from? How fast is it flowing? How clean is the water? The more extensive the flooding and the dirtier the water, the wiser it is to call a professional cleanup crew such as Emergency Mitigation Services for help.
- Extract the Water. You’ve got to get the water out faster. The longer water sits, the worse and more extensive the damage becomes. Towels, buckets, mops, pumps, and wet/dry vacs will get most of it. Circulating air and dehumidifiers will take care of the rest. EMS has the skills and the tools to get the water out and start the drying process.
- Save Your Stuff. If it can move, get it out of the flooded area. Removing wet items from the flood zone does two things. First, it removes moisture from the area, which will ultimately aid in drying. And second, it moves wet items to dry areas and gives them a better shot at drying out and being saved. You’ll be amazed at what the folks at EMS can save.
Insurance
This item is last, but is certainly not least. When you finish reading this, check your insurance policy and read the fine print about flood coverage. You’ll discover what types of events are covered and what you need to do to maintain coverage. Understanding your policy clearly will make all the difference when filing a claim. Keep careful records, including photos, videos, and receipts.
Now You’re Ready
Well, no one is ever ready for a flood, but with careful preparation, you can be ready to respond wisely. The right response will help you recover quickly. When flooding happens, contact EMS, professional water damage contractors in Olathe, KS, for help 24/7. Don’t wait; call our team right away.