According to the Insurance Information Institute, nearly 1 in 60 insured properties in the U.S. will file a water damage claim in a year. The first 24 hours after water damage happens are vital to controlling mold growth, mitigating structural damage, and salvaging belongings. Idaho Falls homeowners would benefit from knowing what they need to do in the first 24 hours after water damage occurs, especially as it's not unusual for storms and plumbing failures to happen with little warning.
In this blog, you will learn the steps you should take immediately after water damage, and the best way to return your property to a safe and restored condition, as explained by a water damage restoration company in Idaho Falls.
Step 1: Safety is the Number 1 Concern
Before considering property damage, check to see that people are safe. Water damage can create hazards you may not be able to see:
- Electrical risks: If the water is standing and is near outlets, cords, or appliances, people can be electrocuted.
- Contaminated water: Water that comes from floods often contains sewage, chemicals, or bacteria.
- Structural hazards: If ceilings, floors, or walls are compromised due to large volumes of water, they could collapse.
If in a safe environment, turn off gas and electricity. In case of a sewage incident or flood damage, avoid any contact with the water.
Step 2: Identify the Source and Stop It from Continuing
If water can be contained and/or identified quickly, the possibility of continued water damage is minimized. Typical causes of damage are as follows:
- Broken pipes
- Roof leaks
- Appliances leaking
- Storm flooding
If you can, turn off the main water supply. If flood water is caused by a weather emergency, you can shunt the flow of water away from your property via sandbags or other barriers until help arrives.
Step 3: Take Inventory of Damage
It is imperative to take pictures if you are going to submit a claim for insurance purposes. Use your phone or camera, and make sure that you record the following:
- Rooms that were impacted by the flooding
- Items that were damaged
- Damage to the structural integrity of a room
- Any visible growth or staining from mold
Do not remove or discard any item unless an adjuster has seen the damaged items.
Step 4: Call a Restoration Company
It is important to act quickly. Once your belongings and home are exposed to untreated water damage, in a matter of 24–48 hours, you could see mold damage, wood rot, and costly repairs. Calling in a professional restoration service is the best way to ensure that you receive safe and complete restoration of your property following water damage. Homeowners often search for water remediation services near me when they have had a water damage disaster, because when every minute counts, every step matters.
Hiring a professional restoration service guarantees:
- Proper extraction of the water
- Industrial drying and dehumidifying
- All fungal growth will be prevented
- Professional cleanliness and sanitization
Step 5: Advise on Water Extraction and Drying
If the situation is safe, you can begin to extract standing water at your premises using buckets, towels, or a wet/dry vacuum. Open doors and windows to allow for airflow or fresh air. You can imagine how much better a high-powered pump and dehumidifier will dry your home out compared to just opening your windows!
A reputable water damage restoration company in Idaho Falls will have the equipment to be able to extract and dry your property faster, and with careful consideration of the potential for ongoing damage to the structure.
Step 6: Protect Personal Belongings
If possible, remove any undamaged belongings from affected rooms to avoid further exposure to flooding. You can also place aluminum foil or wood blocks under the legs of furniture to protect the floors and carpets below from staining.
Keep important documents, electronics, and pictures in a dry, safe area. If any items are already destroyed, professional content restoration services can recover many valuables that would have been lost.
Step 7: Remove Mold
Mold can begin to grow in as little as 24 hours. The best way to prevent mold is to:
- Reduce the humidity level with dehumidifiers and fans.
- Remove carpets, rugs, and fabrics that cannot be dried quickly.
- Disinfect hard surfaces with a disinfectant.
Any professional water damage restoration services in Idaho Falls will offer mold removal as part of the process to keep your home safe and healthy.
Step 8: Claim Insurance
Let your insurance company know as soon as possible. Supply your documents, receipts, and a list of contents that were damaged. Be sure to collaborate with your adjuster and chosen restoration company to keep your claims process smooth.
Why the First 24 Hours Are Critical
- Mold Prevention: The sooner you begin drying things, the less chance you have of getting a mold infestation.
- Structural Damage Prevention: The sooner you start to dry, the more you prevent warping, rotting, and permanent structural damage to your home.
- Cost Prevention: The longer you wait to respond, the greater the repair costs will be.
- Peace of Mind: You can rest knowing your home is being professionally assessed, repaired, or replaced all along the way.
Case in Point: A Rapid Response of Idaho Falls
Last summer, a severe storm created flooding in a family’s basement in Idaho Falls. The family acted quickly and called for help. The team removed standing water, cleaned the basement, and took additional steps, performed by dehydrators or finishing rigs, to prevent any mold contamination.
Because they were able to respond quickly, the family could return home in a couple of days, saving potentially thousands of dollars in long-term repairs.
DIY vs. Professional Response
Most people will decide to clean up a water damage job themselves, but the complications of water damage clean-up can outweigh any reason to do it yourself:
- Limited equipment – Your everyday household fans and vacuums are not going to effectively dry out deep water damage.
- Unknown hazards – Without a professional inspection, you won't be able to effectively see and dry the moisture behind the walls or flooring.
- Mold risks – Without effectively drying up, you will give mold a great opportunity to develop and flourish.
For these reasons, professionals such as the Water Damage Restoration Idaho Falls teams will normally be the safest route. They have trained professionals and the equipment and experience to be able to handle most, if not all, levels of damage.
Long-Term Damage Risk Prevention
If you want to attempt to keep water damage from happening again:
- Get your plumbing systems checked and maintained regularly.
- Make sure your gutters and downspouts drain water away from your home.
- In flood-prone areas, have sump pumps and install backflow valves.
- If you are concerned, water leak detection systems may be an option, which will alert you as soon as water is present.
Being prepared and working with professionals dramatically limits the chance of experiencing water damage and its severity.
Conclusion
The first 24 hours after an occurrence of water damage is the most critical time to protect your home, as well as your health and finances. Each step in the whole process, from shutting off the water supply, documenting the water damage, reaching out to professionals, and the in-between drying time procedures, is critical.
Although Idaho Falls homeowners have seasonal hazards from storms and issues caused by plumbing in winter, acting quickly in the event of flooding will allow property owners to greatly reduce and limit damage. Working with experts in water damage restoration services in Idaho Falls assures that your property will receive the help and care it needs at a time when it is needed most.
About Rainbow Restoration of Idaho Falls
Rainbow Restoration of Idaho Falls specializes in water damage restoration in Idaho Falls. Their full cycle of water extraction, drying, mold prevention, and property restoration is unparalleled in the industry. They have professionals ready to respond to emergencies for water damage restoration 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, putting homes and peace of mind back together for the families of Idaho Falls.
Their staff are certified technicians and have the proper gear, including the latest equipment and procedures, to ensure homes are the safest and healthiest possible. Contact us to schedule a water damage restoration service.
