Water damage can be devastating to your home. It can ruin your floors, your walls, and your possessions. However, if you act fast after the initial damage, you can severely mitigate the amount of damage done. Here are a few tips to dealing with the effects of water damage in your home, as listed by Concrobium.
Immediately turn off, disconnect, and remove any electronics in the area. Electrical items are some of the most vulnerable possessions in terms of water damage, but can possibly be saved if removed quickly. Additionally, if the water rises above the level of your outlets and electronics, having them connected could lead to you or anyone in the area being electrocuted, so remove them as soon as possible.
Begin pulling carpet. Carpet can be saved if immediately removed and cleaned.
Remove the water. There are a few methods you can utilize to begin removing the water from your home. The first is to just start getting rid of it manually. Use any buckets, mops, and towels to soak up and dispose of as much water as you can. Pour the water into drains or into your lawn. Another tool you can use is a wet/dry vacuum. If you choose to go this route, remember to be mindful of using electronics around water. Do not plug in a vacuum if it is susceptible to water damage.
Once the water is removed, you need to dry out the area. Open all your windows, turn on fans, and use a dehumidifier to dry the affected areas. This is also when you should begin removing any damaged drywall from your home.
Lastly, you will need to begin to dispose of damaged items. This includes drywall, carpet, furniture, and any other damaged possessions. Find out where in your area you can dispose of these things and do so.
Hopefully, these steps have given you a clear idea of how to being to clean your home after experiencing water damage. As always, if you are a resident in or around New York City, feel free to contact us with any questions regarding home restoration after water damage.