Emergency Response Plan: Water Damage Edition

Water emergencies are not a common occurrence, but if one does happen, there are some steps you can take to help minimize the damage. Learn more about water damage and what you should do while you wait for professional help.

What is Water Damage?

Water damage involves the damages incurred from water intruding or infiltrating, the structure of a home, or other property, like floors, subfloors, drywall, insulation, ceilings, and more. There are three categories of water used to describe the source of water that has affected the home and the severity level of cleanup. Learn more about the categories of water here.

Signs of Water and Moisture Damage in Home:

What are Water Damage Services?

Water Damage Services are the services provided by professional companies to mitigate and restore the affected property by removing water and speed drying. These services include water mitigation and water restoration. Specialized equipment is needed in these circumstances to detect water and remove that water. We use meters and sensors to indicate the presence of moisture in areas like drywall where water can’t readily be seen. We can also detect the level of moisture in areas like wood, concrete, insulation, and other materials. From there, we use proprietary extraction equipment to remove water. 

What is Water Mitigation?

Water mitigation is any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to the home or other property. This process is about preventing further damage and ensuring the home doesn’t face any more damage than it already has.

What is Water Restoration?

Water restoration is the act of restoring the house, or other property, to a former or original condition by removing water, drying affected structures, monitoring progress, and repairing the damage.   

WATER DAMAGE: EMERGENCY CHECKLIST

• Turn the Water Main Off - If possible, you may need to turn the water main off.
• Turn off Electricity - If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity at the main panel. Do not take any chances.
• Remove or Protect Furniture - Remove small furnishings from carpeted areas and place aluminum foil under furniture legs. This helps prevent permanent rust and furniture staining.
• Hang Draperies - Hang draperies and pin up furniture skirts to avoid contact with wet floors.
• Remove High-Value Items - Remove any breakables, high value, or sentimental items. Don't forget to check under beds and other large pieces of furniture.
• Place Paper in Freezer - Paper-based materials such as books, magazines, and other important documents should be freeze-dried quickly (usually within the first 24 hours).
• Call the Pros - Call a Water Restoration Specialist like Stanley Steemer before putting your home at greater risk of permanent damage.
• Contact Insurance - We work directly with your insurance to help with your water damage insurance claim to make this process as stress-free as possible.
• Make Space - If possible, try to make space available in other dry parts of the home. Restoration crews may need to move furniture from the affected area to a dry area.

If you’re ever in this situation, our water emergency number is simply 1-800-STEEMER. Call 24/7 for our 24/7 water damage restoration services and know that you’re never alone.