Water, water, everywhere! The past week we’ve witnessed a surge (literally and figuratively) in the rain gauge that has caused many basements to flood. Water damage is never a situation that anyone wants to deal with. When water damage strikes, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your property and your well-being. Water damage in your home can cause mold. Mold can be hazardous to your health, and the health of your family and pets.
KleenRite offers these seven tips for when water damage strikes:
- Turn off the water at the source.
Do you know where your water main shut off valve is located? This is a very important location to remember, especially when you have flooding in your home. Head to the valve and turn off the water at the source. This will help prevent any further water from entering your home. - Call KleenRite.
KleenRite is here when you need us, offering 24 hours a day service, seven days a week. Our water restoration team is certified and experienced in the latest water damage remediation techniques and equipment. Our entire team follows professional standards for emergency water damage. We are committed to offering the best services in the industry, and maintain membership with the IICRC. Kleenrite professional technicians restore your flooded or water-damaged area back to like-new condition. Our team is often on-site within an hour, and we work with many insurance companies to quickly get your home or business back to a like-new condition. - Call your plumber.
When pipes burst it is important to call your plumber. A certified and licensed plumber will locate the issue, assess damage to the pipe(s), and begin the process of fixing the break. - Call your insurance company.
Water damage to your home may be covered by a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. Although sometimes it isn’t easy to figure out if the damage you just incurred is covered by your policy. Therefore, it is important to call your insurance company to determine if your specific situation will cover the damage. - Take photos.
Document everything! Use your phone or camera to do a walkthrough of the area damaged by the water. Take photos of everything you can think of, including close-up photos and photos that span the whole room. Be sure to include detailed photos of items damaged by the water before you remove them from the area. - Lift or move furniture and valuables to a dry area.
Move any valuables like books, family heirlooms, and photos to a dry area. If possible, remove furniture from the affected area. If removing the furniture is not possible, lift wood and metal furniture off of carpeted areas. Then create a barrier between the furniture and the carpet using aluminum foil or plastic plates. This will help eliminate furniture and rust stains that can be left on the carpet by these items. - Wipe excess water.
Clean and dry surfaces and fixtures became wet from the flooding. This will help to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Call KleenRite 24 hours a day with any water damage emergency questions at (217) 351-4930 and keep this KleenRite Water Damage Checklist on hand.