When a disaster – like a flood or fire – hits your home, know that Superior Restoration professionals are ready to help you. Yet, knowing the steps that you can take in case of an emergency can prevent further damage. Here are some emergency restoration tips that you can do on your own to mitigate the damage.

Water Damage

Water damage is a very common type of disaster because of the many ways it can occur. It can happen because of burst pipes, drainage problems, leaks, flooding, and more. The best solution in restoring your home and possessions after water damage is calling in professionals. However, there are plenty of things you can do to keep the damage to its early state.

• If the weather permits, open up windows and doors for proper air circulation. If not, you can use dehumidifiers or fans.
• Use a wet/dry shop vacuum to remove standing water.
• Get rid of as much standing water as you can by blotting or mopping.
• Place damped or wet books and documents in a freezer to prevent mold and mildew growth up until you can begin the drying process.
• Wipe and dry all the furniture.
• Open all furniture doors, drawers, and luggage to help the drying process.
• Prop up damped cushions to dry out and put a small piece of wood or aluminum foil under each furniture leg.
• Lift draperies and curtains off the carpet, loop them through a hanger, and place the hanger on the curtain rod to dry them.
• Move important belongings like photos or paintings to a dry and safe area.
• Remove wet fabrics from the affected area and dry them immediately.
• If water damage happens in the cool season, let the heat on. However, if the damage happens in the summer or warm season, turn on your air conditioner.
• Call a professional restoration company immediately. Water damage can cause further damage when not treated at once.

Warnings:

• Do not use a regular household vacuum to remove standing water.
• Avoid using electronic appliances when standing on a wet surface.
• Do not go around any rooms if the electricity is still on.

Category 3 Water Damage: Emergency Restoration Tips

• If the damage is caused by sewage backup or flood water, make sure to wear safety gear like gloves, boots, and a mask. Sewage backup and flood water contain contaminants that can be harmful to people.
• Discard food, medicine, toys, upholstered furniture, carpet padding, mattresses, pillow, and even cardboard that have been exposed to sewage and floodwater.
• To keep you and your family safe, discard everything that has come in contact with contaminated water.
• Keep children and pets away from contaminated areas.
• Clean and dry any affected areas or furniture as quickly as possible to prevent mold growth.

 Warnings:          

• Do not use sprays or other products to eliminate contamination because they might harm the property rather than help.
• Fix the damage immediately as contaminated water can cause severe damage to your property.
• Do not place soft flooring carpet or covering in an area prone to moisture problems to prevent mold problems.

Fire And Smoke Damage

Fires are considered to be the most dangerous kind of disaster as they can spread quickly and threaten people’s lives. However, putting out fires as soon as possible can minimize damage. Here are the things you can do if you ever have fire and smoke damage;

• Discard food that has been exposed to smoke or fire.
• Brush or vacuum loose soot particles from drapes, carpets, and upholstery.
• If the electricity is off, clean your refrigerators and freezers and leave the doors open.
• Cover wet carpet or carpeting with old linens to prevent it from soiling more due to foot traffic.
• Clean bathroom and kitchen faucets and fixtures to keep them from residue damage.
• Open doors with rolled towels or newspaper to ease air circulation.
• Clean or change the air filter on your furnace.
• If the temperature outside is not more than 60 degrees, open windows and doors to air out the house and reduce smoke damage.
• Hire contractors for professional fire restoration services.

Warnings:

• Do not turn on electrical appliances like TVs and others until professionals have thoroughly inspected and cleaned them.
• Do not attempt to clean or wipe off fire-damaged ceilings, walls, or other absorbent areas. Improper fire restoration procedures can lead to severe damage.
• Do not enter your home until it has been inspected by fire department representatives or fire restoration professionals.

Any of these emergencies can be upsetting and overwhelming. And, as a homeowner, it is understandable that you would want to bring things back to its normal condition. These tips and warnings can be of good help. However, DIY-ing does not guarantee full and safe procedures. That is why we recommend you hire a professional restoration company to help you.

We, at Water Damage Corona, are here to assist you throughout the process. We provide restoration services to properties affected by water, fire, and mold. If you want to know more about our services, contact us today.