Do These 10 Things If You Find Water Damage on Your Property

First Steps after Water Damage

Your insurance policy requires that you do everything possible after water damage to limit the possibility of secondary damage. Swift action is necessary, as a slow response can lead to further damage. Bay Area Clean Care will work directly with your insurance company and carry out any steps necessary to get you back to pre-loss condition. Fast response is just a call to our 24-hour emergency line away! Save our number!

Until we can arrive on the scene, here are some steps you can take to help speed up the restoration process and avoid secondary damage.

1. Make sure the flow of water has stopped.

We are your fist choice in second responders! When it comes to water damage, our job is to fix the damage, not the source of the problem. When you find water damage, make sure you call your plumber, roofer, or other professional depending on the source of the water.

2. Call Bay Area Clean Care.

Once the source of the damage has been fixed, call us! We are available 24/7 for water damage and will walk you through everything you need to do until we get there.

3. Safely prevent electrical shocks by clearing the area.

If breakers are safely accessible, turn off power in affected areas. Make sure to stay away from exposed outlets, switches, circuit breakers, or equipment that pose an electric shock risk. Keep electrical appliances like ceiling fixtures or fans off in affected areas.

4. Do not try to dry the area yourself.

Avoid the temptation to vacuums or dry the area with household appliances or fans. You could get shocked or injured. If you must, begin blotting and mopping the area with clean towels.

5. Remove items that will cause stains when exposed to water.

Items like newsprint, books, and periodicals will bleed ink when exposed to water. Remove them from fabric or porous, stainable surfaces as quickly as possible.

6. Relocate items that will be damaged if exposed to moisture.

Elevate furniture, unplug and remove electronics if it is possible to do so safely, and remove things like photos, books, and delicate objects that could be damaged by moisture exposure. If you have curtains or skirts that are touching the ground, you can pin or tape them to ensure they do not draw water.

7. Begin drying easily removable items.

Cushions, blankets, rugs, etc. are all easy to remove and put in a safe area to dry. We are able to clean and refresh any fabrics or upholsteries you feel have been stained from water damage!

If you think the water damage was contaminated, take these steps.

8. Completely avoid any water that appears contaminated.

Contaminated water can be extremely hazardous and should be addressed by professionals only. Wash your hands and feet immediately if you think that you may have into contact with contaminated water.

9. Power down central AC and heat in areas that may have contaminated water.

This will stop the transport of odors and bacteria to other parts of your home.

10. Leave contaminated items in the exposed area.

We will work with you to recover and decontaminate as much as we possible can, safely.