Coping With Water Damage

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

Drying up the area that was damaged by water in a Mount Vernon, NY home

How Do You Deal With Water Damage

Water damage in Mount Vernon, NY, can happen suddenly and unexpectedly. Whether the result of a storm, broken pipes, or a washing machine malfunction, you’re suddenly facing a big water cleanup task. When you’re preparing to address the mess, consider the following:

• Safety
• Assessment
• Cleanup and Repairs

Keep It Safe

One of the first steps you should take is shutting off power in the affected areas since water and electricity are a dangerous, potentially deadly, mix.

If you need to go into the damaged space, consider the source of the water; if there’s any chance of contamination, such as from stormwater or an overflowing toilet, wear protective clothing and wash hands thoroughly after handling anything that has been in the water.

Assess the Damage

If the damage is significant, you may want to contact your insurance company to find out whether or not you have coverage. Keep in mind that water damage is different from flood damage, and insurance companies adjust differently for the two. If you are covered, an adjuster will likely want to take pictures of the damage to help evaluate your claim. You may want to take your own pictures as well in order to have a record of what has happened.

Cleaning Up and Making Repairs

It is important to act fast when you have standing water, as mold and bacteria can begin to grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Even if the damage was caused by clean water, the longer it stands, the better the chance of contamination.

In most cases, you should contact a restoration professional to come out and evaluate the situation. These people have the knowledge, experience and equipment to deal with the problem safely and efficiently. They can advise you about the extent of your damages and the need for any repairs, whether fixing broken pipes or replacing damaged wallboard.

Water damage can be frustrating and overwhelming, but following these steps can help you manage the problem as efficiently as possible so that you can get your home and your life back to normal.