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Emergency Water Damage Steps: (Part 1)

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Emergency Water Damage Steps: What Homeowners Should Do in the First 10 Minutes (Part 1)

The first 10 minutes after discovering water damage are critical. Acting quickly can significantly reduce structural damage, prevent mold growth, and save thousands in water damage repair costs.  The IICRC is the Industry Standard for Water Damage Restoration and they state that “This Standard assumes that the determination and correction of the underlying source or cause of the water intrusion leading to the water damage is the responsibility of the property owner and not the restorer.”   https://iicrc.org/s500/

Therefore the following are the 4 most steps should be followed with the safety of you and your loved ones being the overarching priority.

detail of broken pipe

 

 

 

 

 

Stop the Source of Water (If Safe)

Every homeowner or commercial property owner should know where the main shut off value is for their home or commercial building. Before anything else, homeowners should locate and stop the source of the water intrusion in order to minimize the risk of flooding and water damage cleanup.

  • If a pipe burst, shut off the main water valve.
  • If an appliance is leaking, unplug it and turn off its water supply.
  • If the source is unknown, shut off the main water value.

Stopping the source of the water is the fastest way to limit damage and prevent the situation from escalating.

Turn Off Electricity in Water Damaged Affected Areas

This is obvious but worth saying: water and electricity are a dangerous combination! A Homeowner or property manager should turn off power only if they can reach the breaker panel without stepping in water.

If the area is already flooded, they should stay out and call an electrician or emergency water damage restoration company. Safety must always come first.

Call 24/7 AfterCare Restoration 215.515.1000 

 

 

 

 

 

Document the water Damage for Insurance

Before cleanup begins, homeowners should document the source of the water damage. If a pipe burst take a picture of the burst pipe. If the source was an appliance takes pictures of the water damage around the appliance.  If you hire a plumber save the receipt and work order so you can document the necessary repair.  You should also document items that are damaged such as valuables, furniture, hardwood flooring, soaked carpet etc.

  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Notes on what happened

This documentation helps support insurance claims and ensures adjusters understand the full scope of the damage. You also want to take pictures that show the entire room not just a close up of the water damage.

Remove Small Items and Valuables

If it’s safe, homeowners should quickly remove:

  • Electronics
  • Important documents
  • Rugs
  • Small furniture
  • Personal items

This prevents further damage and speeds up the drying process. Larger furniture should be left for professionals to handle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Emergency Water Damage Restoration and Cleanup

When disaster hits, you need more than a cleanup crew—you need trained experts who understand the science of water damage and fire damage restoration. With IICRC certification, FREE estimates, and a dedication to 5-STAR CUSTOMER SERVICE, you’re choosing a team that puts your safety, comfort, and satisfaction first. Whether in Allentown, Easton, Macungie, Quakertown, Doylestown, Lansdale, Lancaster, Blue Bell, King of Prussia, Wayne, Ambler, New Holland, West Chester, Wayne – AfterCare Restoration is available 24/7 – 365 days a year for your emergency fire damage restoration needs.

Call 24/7 AfterCare Restoration 215.515.1000 For Water Damage Restoration

Aftercare Restoration is committed to its six core values of Honesty, Hardworking, Professional, Responsible, Communication and Compassion.

Our company is committed to integrity and honesty and our six core values and providing a 5 Star Customer Experience.  Our team will explain the extent of the damage, the industry standard process to remediate your property. If for some reason you are not covered by insurance, we will provide you with the same detailed line item estimate as we do NOT markup jobs if you are not covered.  As a local family-owned company, we understand that money doesn’t grow on trees.

Aftercare Restoration a Local Veteran owned Emergency Damage Restoration company offering 24/7 Water & Fire Damage Restoration services.  This includes Water and flood cleanup, Fire board-up, demo, structural cleaning, odor removal and full rebuild and reconstruction service.  As a Local Veteran Owned company, we’re committed to earning your trust and ensuring 100% customer satisfaction.