Prevent & Minimize Water Damage

04 Aug Prevent & Minimize Water Damage

Whether your home or business has experienced water damage as a result of heavy rain, flooding, a burst pipe, a leaking roof, or even a broken window, time is of the essence in preventing further damages to your property. Mold is one of the greatest risks associated with water damage. It not only can destroy your belongings, it can make your property structurally unsound, and can be severely hazardous to your health.

Mold Grows Under These 4 Conditions:

1. Moisture
2. Food (typically starch or sugar)
3. Temperatures between 41° and 104°
4. Oxygen

Your property probably has a temperature between 41° and 104°, we’re sure there’s oxygen, and food sources can easily be found in the paper backing of the drywall or even in particles in water. Introduce water and mold is just waiting to grow!

After You Experience Water Damage:

Don’t:

• Don’t enter rooms with standing water if the electricity is on.
• Don’t use an ordinary household vacuum cleaner to remove water.
• Don’t use any electrical appliances while on wet carpet or floors.
• Don’t remove tacked down carpet without professional help.

Do:

• Take detailed pictures and videos of the affected areas.
  • Never enter dangerous areas, and always make sure the power is off before entering standing water.
• Clean and dry areas subjected to water within 48 hours to help prevent mold growth.
  • Use fans to circulate air and to help dry the area.
  • Use a dehumidifier to remove moisture in the air.
    • The room’s humidity should remain below 50% in order to keep mold at bay.
  • Keep the interior temperature between 70° and 80°.
  • Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting affected areas.
  • Remove wet area rugs and other floor coverings.
  • Once all the excess moisture is removed, you should clean and sanitize all affected areas to prevent bacteria and other growth.
• Prevent new damages.
  • Close off any broken windows, and prevent new water from getting in.
  • Lift your draperies off the floor,
    • Try looping them through a coat hanger and placing the hanger on the drapery rod.
  • Wipe furniture dry.
  • Prop up wet cushions so they can dry evenly.
  • Place aluminum foil under furniture legs and lift them off of the wet ground.
  • Open furniture drawers, closet doors, and luggage to help them dry out.
  • Move photos, paintings, and art to a safe, dry location.
  • Keep damp books in their shelves to prevent the pages from rippling during the drying process
• Take a look outside. 
  • Check the exterior regularly for accumulating ground water.
  • If water is accumulating against your foundation, take measures to drain the water away.

Thinking about filing a claim?

Remember, depending on the source of your water damage, your claim may or may not be accepted by your insurance company. Flood damages are not covered by your typical home or business insurance policy. A separate flood insurance policy is required to cover those flood damages.

Not sure if you have the right insurance or if you can make a claim?

Give our office a call at 860-437-7282!

Related Topics:

• How to File A Flood Claim
• Flood Insurance 101
• Flood & Hurricane Season: Are You Prepared?