What to Do in a Water Emergency?

Follow these Steps After a Water Emergency:

1. Try to stop the water source if you can safely  

Step 1: When you see water damage , the first thing you should do is minimize the immediate danger. If it's a pipe that has burst, shut off the water.

Step 2: Next would be to shut off power to reduce risk of electrical shock.

Step 3: Next evaluate if there is any danger of your health such as water rising too fast and you should evacuate.  

2. Call an IICRC certified  emergency water damage restoration specialists ( SI Restoration 800-356-0484 ) 

A water extraction company can be there within 2 hours and start the water extraction process and dry the area reducing the chance for permanent damage,  The water damage restoration expert will come to your house and then assist when you make a claim to your insurance company . 

3. Removing Your Items 

 Wooden furniture could absorb water and start to crack or warp soon after contact with water. Paper products such as documents, books, and photos could absorb water and become permanently damaged. If items have already absorbed water, it may be better to leave them for the water extraction company to use industrial equipment to dry the area and the items.  It's best not to touch any items in the water damaged area until the water damage restoration company has inspected . 

4. Stop Further Damage 

Find the source of the water and stop it from getting in or continuing. If the source is a burst pipe or leak, you should shut off the water valve to the area. If it is a flood or storm, use sandbags or stoppers to prevent the water from getting into the house.

5. Dry Items 

Permanent water damage could occur hours after exposure to water, so anything that you can dry before the water extraction company can come should be set out too dry or for drying with fans and dehumidifiers to avoid damage. This may include rugs, decor, furniture, paper, appliances, etc. 

6. Restoration 

After the drying process it is time to remove the damaged items and assess the full scope of damage. You should have your insurance company send out an adjuster to assess what items are damaged and need to be replaced and what is covered by your homeowners insurance. There may also be damage to the home itself such as drywall or permanent water damage to the floor or walls that will need to be professionally restored to a safe condition before you move back into the home. Documents, photos, or clothing may also need to be sent to a professional content restoration company. 

7. Check for Mold 

Moisture is one of the ingredients for mold growth and Mold can cause health issues and permanently damage your home or belongings. If you have visible mold, call your insurance company to see if you have mold coverage and then call a mold remediation company your insurance company approves. If you smell a musty smell but don't see mold, call an industrial hygienist for a mold test report that will list which mold is present and how much is in the air.  

8. Other Companies to Contact 

Power Company – have the power companies’ number on hand to contact in case of power lines going down or to investigate any damage to the power lines from trees or wind.  

Water Company – If you are unsure of, or unable to turn off the water at your main valve, call the water company to turn off your water. They can also investigate leaks you may be unable to detect.  

Police – Sometimes your house may be exposed to the public and you will not be home to secure it. This could happen in a bad storm that knocks a hole in the wall or breaks down your door. You could call a contractor to board up the opening but, in the meantime, you should contact the police to have them check on your house to prevent looters or vandals.  

General Contractors/Roofers - General contractors and specialty ones such as roofers can board up your home or repair you roof. You should contact your insurance company first to ensure any repair would be covered by your insurance policy.  

Call 443-701-0111 or email info@si-restoration.com for more information.

SI Restoration water damage cleanup services are available in the following Maryland areas  : 

Towson          

Pikesville 

Catonsville 

Bel Air 

Baltimore City 

Baltimore County 

Dundalk 

Essex 

Laurel 

Parkton 

Westminster 

Aberdeen 

Hyattsville 

Burtonsville 

Bowie 

Chevy Chase

Elkton 

Gaithersburg 

Rockville 
Germantown 

Hampstead 

Manchester 

Mount Airy 

Sykesville 

Takoma Park 

Upper Marlboro