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Tips for Handling Water Damage

Damage to your home can be an extremely overwhelming situation for any homeowner. It can also be very difficult to know what to do to handle the situation properly. Water damage is one of the most common homeowner's claims, so it's a good idea to keep a few common tips in the back of your mind in case you find yourself with unwanted water in your home.

  1. First Steps:

    The very first thing you should do in the event of water damage is locate the source of the water and ensure that the flow of water has been stopped. Cleanup can't happen if water is still actively pouring into the home. After the water has been stopped, it's a good idea to cut the power to the home if there is any standing water. Obviously, electricity and water can make a dangerous combination. If either of these tasks puts you at risk, wait for a professional. Finally, as long as it's safe, take as many pictures as possible before starting any potential DIY cleanup. You'll want to start cleaning right away if possible, but you'll also want your insurance company to be able to see the initial extent of the damage before any cleaning occurs. Once pictures have been taken and the area has been deemed safe, remove as much standing water as possible and set fans to begin the drying process.

  2. Consider Volume and Source:

    If you're thinking about trying to do the cleanup on your own, you'll want to consider the volume and the source of the water. A tiny patch of clean water is usually something that can be handled in-house, but a basement flooded with sewage needs to be handled by a professional. It's important to remember, though, that even small amounts of water can hide in cracks and crevices and within porous materials, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew if not dried completely. As far as the source of water, if the water is grey or black, it should never be handled on your own. These waters contain contaminants that need to be properly cleaned to ensure the safety of the home and everyone in it.

  3. Call Insurance:

    If you've determined that the issue is beyond the scope of your ability to handle it, it's time to contact your insurance company. You'll want to find out what kind of coverage you have for the loss and what your deductible is. If you decide to file a claim, you'll be assigned an adjustor to handle it. Often, your insurance company will put you in touch with a preferred restoration vendor, but sometimes, they'll advise you to find one on your own.

  4. Contact Restoration Service:

    A restoration professional like Idaho Fire and Flood Restoration will be able to work directly with your insurance company and you to ensure the job is done properly. A project manager or technician will assess the damage and help determine the most appropriate course of action. Standing water will be extracted, and drying equipment will be set up right away so the damage doesn't worsen. Once everything is dry, unsalvageable materials will be removed, and everything else will be cleaned and sanitized to prepare for reconstruction.

Five Things Not to Do After a Water Damage

  1. Safety First! Do not enter areas that pose a threat to your health due to electricity or contaminated water.
  2. Do not use a household vacuum to suck up the water. These are not created to work with water and cause a risk of electrical shock as well as damage to the vacuum.
  3. Avoid walking on wet surfaces as much as possible. Walking through wet areas can spread contaminants throughout the property.
  4. If water has made its way into the HVAC system, do not activate the system. This can also spread any possible contamination.
  5. Do not stay in the home if there is structural damage or extensive black water damage.

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Idaho Fire and Flood Restoration was established because we truly want to help people. Our professional team understands that this is a difficult time for you, especially if you’ve suffered significant losses. Allow us to make things easier. Our Idaho restoration business is here to help not just with the restoration of your property but also with the insurance claims process.

We have worked with countless insurance holders and insurance companies before. We are familiar with the common practices and the requirements insurance companies usually look for, including all documentation and photos. Our team will make sure that you will receive a fair payout for your residential or commercial restoration so you can get your life back in order.

For immediate service, call Idaho Fire and Flood Restoration at (208) 423-3417. Let us handle the damage so you can get back to your home or business faster.