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First Steps After Water Damage

Flooded House

Your house has been flooded; what are the first things you need to do? If you are totally devastated, you should contact the Red Cross, as they can provide you with some necessities. They can also provide you with a clean-up kit that has brooms, mops, cleaning supplies and buckets.

Insurance Claim

The next very important step is to contact your insurance agent to see what kind of coverage you have and to get your claim filed.

Home Damage

What caused the water damage is something you have to consider. If it was a leaky pipe or a storm, your reactions will be different. If your carpets are wet, you are going to have to remove them or set up fans in order to dry them out. They will then have to be checked for mold and you will have to decide if you can salvage them or not. Your walls will probably need to be repaired and repainted and you will have to check your appliances to see if they still work.

Board Up

Experts warn not to be in a big hurry to get back into your house after a flood or considerable water damage. If you are leaving your house, notify the local authorities that you are leaving. Boarding up the windows is also a good idea. When it is safe to go back into your home, collect necessities and important documents, salvage what you can, and make repairs that you are capable of making. Finally, find a reputable contractor to do the rest.

Stress

Your emotions will be frayed along with everything else, so take time to take care of yourself. Eat as healthy as you can, get enough rest, and take whatever medication is prescribed for you. Things can be replaced, but your life can’t.

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