How Homeowners Can Prepare for Water Damage Restoration Before the Professionals Arrive

Contacting a crew for water damage services in Central Florida is one of the first things a homeowner should do when they notice a leak or flooding. The faster that they can get started on the cleanup, the better the results will be. However, there are several things that homeowners should do after making that call but before the help arrives.

Homeowners can help set the restoration company up for success by preparing the area. In fact, the local water damage restoration professionals of Florida Fire & Flood recommend that homeowners follow five simple steps to prepare for the emergency crew's arrival. 

Start Documenting the Damage

If a homeowner plans to turn their water damage services into their insurance, they will need to take a moment to go through the property and document the loss. Failure to do so can result in a denial of their claim, and the homeowner could end up paying for the entire job out of pocket.

It’s recommended that a homeowner take photos and videos of the loss as well as the source of the water damage. Common causes of water damage include burst pipes, leaks under sinks, or even malfunctioning appliances. A smartphone will do the trick, but having this evidence will help ensure smooth processing of the insurance claims.

Put on the Proper Protective Equipment

Before a homeowner re-enters the property, they should make sure that they have taken the time to don the proper gear. Even if they won’t be doing any of the cleaning, they should keep themselves and others safe while documenting the damage or investigating the source of the water.

The exact type of gear required can vary from one flood to another, depending on the type of water. Homeowners can best protect themselves from black or grey water by wearing a mask, gloves, coveralls, and boots. Even if the water is clean, closed-toed shoes are advised at a minimum. 

Turn the Power Off

Any time that water comes in contact with an outlet, appliances, or any electrical wiring, there is a risk of electrocution. For that reason, it’s imperative that homeowners know how to shut off their electricity until help arrives. This protects not only themselves but also the crew about to show up on the scene. 

Locate the Source of the Water Damage

Once it is safe to do some investigating in the house, homeowners should try to locate the source of the water damage. Though the water damage contractors can help with this process, they can move the cleanup along much faster if they know where to start. In fact, locating the source can be critical in mitigating further loss because it gives homeowners the opportunity to turn the water off and prevent more flooding.

In some cases, it may be very obvious to see what caused the flood. Burst pipes or sewage backups usually don’t require a lot of investigation. However, some hidden water damage requires specialized tools and experienced professionals to locate. In situations like this, it’s best to leave this step to the restoration crew. 

Remove Household Contents from Affected Area

Finally, homeowners can start to prep the work area by removing furniture that would get in the way of the cleanup. As a reminder, this step should only be completed after the electricity has been shut off and the proper protective gear is in place. 

Not only does removing household contents allow contractors to get started on the water extraction process more quickly, but it also can be the difference between salvaging or discarding a piece of furniture. Moving as many household contents to a clean, dry area as possible can prevent contamination and minimize the total loss.

Learn More About How to Prep for Emergency Water Damage Services

Still not sure about what you can do while you wait for a restoration company to arrive? Customers can contact Florida Fire & Flood to see what other steps can be taken. 

The contractors are happy to provide more information over the phone, and local homeowners can contact them any time of day or night for help. They also have a simple online quote form that customers can submit for less urgent matters. 

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