Taking swift action can significantly reduce the effects of water damage in your Long Beach home. Whether the damage is due to flooding, leaking pipes, sewer backup, appliance malfunction, or severe storms, it is important to have a plan of action and know how to respond. Stretch Cleaning & Restoration wants to help our neighbors in Long Beach have an adequate response plan in place to help make the cleanup process quicker and more effective. Here is what you should do if you experience water damage in your home:
Avoid Any Additional Risks Associated With Water Damage
If the damage was extensive enough for you to have to evacuate your home, do not re-enter until it has been deemed safe – especially if there is any visible structural damage. Be sure that all power to your home and electrical sources has been turned off before entering a water-damaged area. Water and electricity do not mix, so be sure that you do not risk electrical shock and keep the power off until the area has been cleaned and cleared.
Be Aware Of Water Contamination
Even if the water in your home looks clear, it could be contaminated by unknown elements. Avoid coming into contact with any water if at all possible. If contact cannot be avoided, be sure to wear the proper protective gear such as waders, waterproof boots, and rubber gloves. Be sure to throw out any food or drinks that have come in contact with contaminated water. Keep kids and pets out of the area to keep them from being exposed to possible contaminants.
Record All Damages And Damaged Property
You should contact your insurance provider ASAP following any type of water damage. Whether you have insurance or not, before you remove anything that has been damaged by water, make sure that it has been fully documented. Keep lists and take pictures of everything that has been damaged by water. Before any cleanup occurs, be sure to have photos of everything. This will help with coverage and proof of damage. Take detailed notes regarding all conversations with your insurance, and be diligent in keeping records of everything.
When it comes to your home, you want peace of mind that all damage will be cleaned up correctly, and no further damage will ensue. To adequately mitigate the risk of mold and structural damage that follows initial water damage, you can trust Stretch Cleaning & Restoration to handle the cleanup and restoration of your property. We have the training, experience, and equipment to properly and quickly extract water and thoroughly dry your property following any type of water damage. Our IICRC technicians will identify the problem and give you a plan to provide a fast and thorough restoration, taking the stress and worry away from you. We know how overwhelming water damage is, and we know how to help. The best response to damage in your home in Long Beach is to call the professionals at Stretch.