Water Damage Cleanup Immediate Actions and What to Avoid

Immediate Actions After Water Damage

Water damage can strike unexpectedly, causing significant harm to your property. Immediate action is crucial to minimize its impact:

Shut off water source: If a pipe has burst or there is an active leak, turn off the water supply immediately.
Evacuate the area if it’s unsafe due to electrical hazards or structural damage.
Ventilate the property by opening windows and doors to prevent mold growth.
Secure valuables and remove important items from affected areas.
Cover damaged areas with plastic sheeting or towels to protect them from further damage.
Call a professional water damage restoration company to assess the extent of the damage and begin the cleanup process.

While it’s tempting to clean up water damage yourself, certain actions can worsen the situation:

Don’t use household appliances in affected areas due to electrical hazards.
Don’t remove damaged drywall or carpeting without professional guidance as it may contaminate other areas.
Don’t use fans or heaters to dry out the property prematurely as this can spread mold spores.
Don’t turn on lights in flooded areas to avoid electrical accidents.
Don’t delay calling a water damage restoration professional as the damage can spread quickly.