Immediate Actions After Water Damage What to Do Immediately

Water damage is a serious issue that can cause extensive damage to your home or business. The key to minimizing the damage is to take immediate action. Here are some things you should do immediately after water damage occurs:

## Stop the source of the water

The first step is to stop the source of the water. If the water is coming from a broken pipe, turn off the water supply. If the water is coming from a flood, move to higher ground and wait for the water to recede.

## Call a water damage cleanup company

Once you have stopped the source of the water, call a water damage cleanup company. They will be able to assess the damage and begin the cleanup process.

## Document the damage

Take pictures or videos of the damage. This will help you when you file an insurance claim.

## Protect your belongings

Move your belongings to a dry area. If you can't move them yourself, call a water damage cleanup company for help.

## Ventilate the area

Open windows and doors to ventilate the area. This will help to dry out the water and prevent mold from growing.

## Dry out the area

Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the area. This will help to prevent further damage to your home or business.

## Prevent mold growth

Apply a mold inhibitor to the affected area. This will help to prevent mold from growing.

## File an insurance claim

If you have insurance, file a claim as soon as possible. Your insurance company will be able to help you with the cleanup process and cover the costs of the damage.

Additional Tips

Don't enter a flooded area if the water is deep or fast-moving.
Be aware of electrical hazards. If you see any downed power lines, stay away from them and call 911.
Wear rubber gloves and boots when cleaning up water damage.
Don't use bleach to clean up water damage. Bleach can damage your belongings and make the mold problem worse.