It is essential to take action promptly after water damage to minimize losses and restore your property as quickly as possible. Taking quick action will help limit property damage, reduce mold, and protect you. Our team from Big Easy Remediation can help you follow the right guidelines after water damage.
Immediate Safety Precautions
Water damage can lead to serious health risks and property damage. Taking quick, strategic actions protects everyone and minimizes long-term effects.
Here are key safety measures to take right after your property experiences water damage:
Give Priority to Occupant Safety
First and foremost, occupant safety is paramount. Identify the source of the water, such as a breakage in a pipe, and check for leaking roofs or flooding resulting from heavy rain. Minimize exposure to the water source. If it is a leak, you can try shutting off the water supply. If it is flooding due to rain, start moving occupants away from exposed areas. Make sure that individuals are not standing in an area with standing water that is near electrical outlets, and direct occupants to dry, safe places, as even an inch of water can create slipping hazards.
Assess Risks for the Structure
Look for signs of structural damage. Water can quickly compromise the structure of floors, ceilings, and walls in a matter of minutes, especially in older buildings. Specifically, look for sagging ceilings, bending floors, and cracking walls that can indicate there could be potential collapse. Avoid potential collapse areas and enlist the help of professionals to evaluate.
Safely Turn off Electrical Power
If water is touching nearby electrical equipment, turn off the power. Do not approach the breaker box until the area is dry. If you feel unsure or there is flooding, talk to a qualified electrician before proceeding.
Wear Protective Gear
If there has been water damage, contaminants from the water, such as bacteria and potentially mold, can be a concern. If you have to travel through an affected area, put on gloves that are waterproof, second, put on boots that are also waterproof, and lastly, put on an N95 mask before entering the area. Be aware that entering fresh areas after water damage can spread and release bacteria and other harmful particles, especially if first responders have not begun the clean-up efforts.
Initial Damage Assessment
When water damage occurs, swift action is crucial for protecting your property and health. Damage can start within the first hour and worsen if not addressed. A systematic initial assessment helps minimize long-term issues like mold and structural damage.
Identify the Source of the Water
Identify the source of the water to avoid further exposure. The most common water sources could be from a broken pipe, a leaky roof, or an appliance failure. Clean water from a pipe is much safer than dirty water from a sewer backup. Turn the water off or fix the hole or leak as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the property and home.
Identify the Category of the Water
Understanding the type of water on the property can help guide the cleanup process. Category 1 (clean water) is less harmful than gray water (from washing machines or sinks), which may carry bacteria but is still safe. Unless the water came from a clean water source, you are not obligated to call a professional. Category 3 water (black water) is usually harmful and requires professionals to remediate.
Assess the Areas Affected
Begin assessing all affected surfaces: walls, floors, ceilings, and enclosed spaces. If you see dark spots without rings that are newly damaged. You can use hygrometers to assess humidity and keep humidity low (under 50%) to limit the potential of mold. It may take up to 48 hours for additional damage to show itself, so keep that in mind when assessing the level of damage.
Act on Immediate Action Areas
Focus on areas that are at high risk for long-term damage. Attempt to initiate drying procedures within 24 hours to limit the chances of mold developing, with a target of 3 to 4 days for a successful drying goal.
Documenting the Damage
When handling a water damage claim or restoration, thorough documentation is crucial. We focus on precise documentation to ensure every detail is captured, speeding up remediation and insurance processes.
Photograph and Record Video: Take photographs and videos of all damages, with special attention to the walls, floors, ceilings, and signs of water intrusion. Freshwater stains will show up darker in color and are likely to be wet. Utilize natural lighting, and range from wide-angle to close-up when documenting damages.
Keep Accurate Documentation: Document all related damages with receipts for repairs, temporary housing, and supplies. Accurate and detailed documentation helps support your claims and gets you reimbursed. To assist in documenting damages, utilize tools to help assess damages on the spot and automatically upload the documentation.
Identify Pre-Existing Conditions: Be able to recognize the difference between new damage versus pre-existing damage. Stains that had previously been repaired will have ring marks and may feel soft or dry. This documentation is very helpful to mitigate arguments over claims and to mark new damage first for remediation.
Inventory Damaged Items: Document an inventory of all damaged items. Inventory every damaged item, including appliances, clothes, and furniture. Photograph and create a written damage description, as well as the value of the item when completed, to be supported by a full claim of damage compensation.
Contact Your Insurance Quickly After Water Damage
It’s critical to act quickly once water damages your property. First, it is necessary to inform your insurance agent and do it without delay. Do not wait until the next business day to check on reporting a claim.
Most insurance companies have a hotline that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you report damage, start the cleaning process, and get you on the road to recovery. You tend to have a better chance of working with an agent rather than directly dealing with the insurance company. Your agent is there to represent you during the process.
Restoration and Repair Steps
Acting quickly to mitigate water damage reduces risk and cost. Drying your space within 24 hours minimizes the risk of mold and mildew growth. Restoration can begin within a 24- to 48-hour time frame from the time of order approval. Remove any porous material that retains moisture, such as carpets and drywall.
If furniture and rugs have been exposed to contaminated water for more than 24 hours, dispose of them immediately. Check for any structural damage and repair it as necessary; drying a home takes about five days, and repairs generally take one to two weeks. For very contaminated water, an antimicrobial cleaning must take place before it’s safe to occupy the space.
Let’s Restore The Damages to Your Property
Dealing with water damage can be overwhelming, but prompt action saves time and money. Prioritize safety, inspect the damage, and document everything to protect your home and finances.
Contact us at Big Easy Remediation for a smooth recovery. With our experience in New Orleans, we understand the urgency of quick, informed decisions. If you need expert help with water damage or flood restoration, reach out to us today, and we’ll work together to restore your space to a safe, clean, and dry condition.
Mon-Sat: 09:00AM to 05:00PM Sunday: Closed 
By Admin 
Jan 11, 2025 
Identify the source of the water to avoid further exposure. The most common water sources could be from a broken pipe, a leaky roof, or an appliance failure. Clean water from a pipe is much safer than dirty water from a sewer backup. Turn the water off or fix the hole or leak as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the property and home.