Water Damage Clean Up Checklist

When you have suffered water damage in your home, you need a cleanup plan, and fast. With all of the problems that are needing to be solved, you need some help with the physical work. You also need some advice to help organize the process. Below are a few things that you can do to begin the cleanup process, as well as a local professional water damage cleanup team that can assist you. 

Safety First

Step one is obvious– make sure all home occupants are accounted for and safe. Call emergency responders if needed. The very next step is to dispatch a team of professionals, like those at Restore Rite, located in Idaho Falls. Determine if you should evacuate to a safe place if your home is unsafe to make the calls. 

After you have contacted help, ask these questions: Can you safely stop the flow of water yourself? If so, identify and close off the source of excess water. While an overflowing bathtub is an obvious source, leaky pipes may not be. 

While you wait for the professional water damage cleanup team, here are some things you can do to minimize additional damage and speed the cleanup process.

• If circuit breakers can be safely accessed, turn off power in all affected areas. 
• If practical, mop up or blot the wet area with towels.
• Anything that could cause staining on wet carpets or floors, like books or newsprint items should be removed (especially Oriental rugs.)

Sewage water can contain microbes, viruses and harmful bacteria. Trapped moisture within a wall cavity can lead to mold, mildew, bacteria, and it can even compromise structural integrity. Containing and eliminating any dangerous waste is the first priority. At this stage, do not begin cleanup – everything must be documented properly.

Get Restore Rite On Site

You need all hands on deck! Count on professionals for emergency work to mitigate damages (boarding up windows, drying up water damage).Water damage cleanup teams have the staff to immediately remove infected or damaged items and start cleaning.They will also be recording scientific data (moisture readings, atmospheric readings, dehumidifier readings, etc – if needed).

At this time, you will be busy: you need photos of the entire process (before, during and after)

You might also need official reports from police, fire, first responder, plumber, etc. You can make a  paper plus video inventory of damaged & destroyed items. 

Call Your Insurance Agent

Decide if you want to involve the insurance (with recommendation from the disaster relief company.) Explain damage and find out if you’re covered. Typically, an adjuster responds in a few days to gather evidence to assess the source of the water damage. This is used to calculate the amount insurance will pay.

Insurance is a multi step process. Find companies that will communicate with adjuster as needed. Confirm the process of photo documentation with the insurance team and and share detailed notes to coordinate with your provider; follow all advice to simplify the claim process. You will want to make sure to find a professional cleanup team that has years of experience with all the major insurers in Idaho and can guide you through the steps.

Dry Out With A Plan

Instead of opening a window, turning on a fan and simply waiting, today’s professionals take control of the drying process. Structural drying removes excess moisture from all wet materials that make up the structure. By managing a) the temperature of any wet materials, b) humidity levels and c) air flow, restoration teams can dry the unseen areas that could lead to future damage. A complete drying plan ensures that not just the air, but all the affected building materials are addressed. 

Rebuild and Restore Water Damage Cleanup Idaho Falls 

After the initial hustle and bustle, later you will assess what can be repaired or restored with claims money. Decide how much additional out of pocket money is required for restoration. Our team can help you consider costs and benefits of upgrading.

If your home has water damage, and you need cleanup help, be sure to call Restore Rite to clean up minor or major disasters. Whether your water damage came in the windows, a broken pipe, or a hole in the roof, you will need professional, certified and experienced help.