What to Do After a Water Loss Until Help Arrives in Your Seaside Heights Property

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Toms River has specialized equipment to quickly and efficiently dry out your property.

After the water begins to flow, you will have many questions that need answers. Here’s some simple tips to begin the water damage recovery process.

Your water heater exploded, a pipe burst, an epic rainstorm flooded your basement of your Seaside Heights property: No matter how the water leak began, you’ve now have a soggy mess on your hands. And unless you act quickly, the damage will only get worse.

You’re probably feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, and frightened. How will you ever clean up the water damage? Will your insurance cover the cost? Did irreplaceable stuff—like old photos and letters—get ruined?

While you’re swimming in questions, it’s important to keep the momentum going. Here are four ways to begin the recovery process:

1. Contact your insurance carrier immediately.
2. Tick tock. Time is of the essence when you have water damage.
3. You’ve got less than 48 hours to dry out before mold takes over.
4. Water may be contaminated.

After the property is deemed safe to enter, follow these simple do’s and don’ts until help arrives.

What to Do After Flooding:

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT to Do After Flooding:

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

If you’ve experienced water damage, call SERVPRO of Toms River at 732-349-9898 as soon as possible. Our company is IICRC certified in water damage restoration and structural drying and we'll make your water loss “Like it never even happened.”