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Do’s and Don’ts During a Water Damage Emergency

door in front of water

Water as a destructive agent on homes and properties can be very serious. Soaking into structures and parts of a house or building allows it to peel away at surfaces and leave progressive damage over time.

Water can come from strong rains, flooding, broken pipes, leaks, sewage leakage, and other problems. The smell that develops with water damage can also be very unpleasant.

When your house experiences any form of water damage, take heed of some safety precautions. Here are some guidelines on carefully dealing with water and water damage.

Flood Related Damage

Water damage from floods is seasonal, and most people try their best to be prepared for them. Still, flooding accounts for $8.3 billion in damages each year, as reports from Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety show. It doesn’t help that many insurance policies don’t cover water damage and repair from flooding. A good alternative could be getting coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program for flood-prone cities and areas.

Other flooding causes are broken water pipes from inside or around the house. When the flood is from non-weather causes, they are easier to anticipate. In the first instance of a leak, immediately turn off your water source before it reaches lower electrical outlets. Make sure there are no valuable items and plugged in electronics on the ground floor and basements.

Rain and Storm Effects

Flooding from storms and flash floods is unpredictable. If there has already been a history of seasonal rains with heavy flooding in your area, it’s best to be prepared and proactive. Take extra care and vigilance when you live near bodies of water such as creeks, rivers, and lakes.

Clear your ground floor and basement to reduce property damage. You can also avoid rain and storm damage by ensuring your roofing system is whole with no holes and leaks, including its drainage pipes. Small leaks from the roof may soon give way to larger holes and downpours.

Unfortunately, even with preparation for heavy rain, rainwater may still find a way to disrupt homes. Leaks from the upper parts of the house may lead to water flowing down and soaking walls, tiles, and ceilings. These are especially dangerous because water can reach electrical networks. Water-soaked surroundings and electronics are not a good mix.

Make sure your breakers are turned off early and your valuable items are cleared immediately during a heavy storm. Place pooling containers on floors and mop them out before cleaning.

A Word on Electrical Networks

While some of the storm and rain damage on your house is covered by insurance, its other aftereffects may still cost you. For example, damage to your electrical systems may not be under coverage. When water has leaked through the walls, avoid using electricity until you call emergency services or an electrician.

Get the internal electricity wiring checked. If they are still soaked in rainwater, you might short-circuit the whole network, blowing fuses and possibly getting the entire circuitry fried. Any other wet surfaces will generate violent electric shocks too.

Final Notes

Water damage from flooding, rains, and leaks can cause serious damage to your home. It can wreck most of your possessions and internal structures upon contact. Worse of all, it can reach electrical systems, providing electric shock fields with minimal water or wetness. Respond accordingly, and you can minimize damage to your household and all you hold dear.

The aftermath of water damage is serious, but it can be fixed and restored. For proper repair and decontamination cleanup, AAA Restoration Utah is your best option for water damage repair in Salt Lake City and nearby areas. Our EPA certification is proof of our professional rating and quality of work. Our lines are open 24/7, so give us a call anytime!