Things you can do to mitigate water disaster and save your belongings
Many homeowners and businesses in southeastern Michigan have experienced flooding, sewage backups, and mold due to the extreme weather conditions this summer. Getting dried out after water damage is critical in the first 48 hours. Salvaging wet, soggy goods like rugs, clothing, and furniture will depend on how quickly the water is mitigated.
- Circulate Air-keep air circulating by opening windows and doors. Open closets, cabinet doors, and drawers to move dryer air through them.
- Create Air– Use high-powered fans to amp up the air circulation place high-powered fans around the room.
- Dehumidify– Remove water vapor from the rooms that are damaged by running a dehumidifier that covers the appropriate square footage of room. You may need more than one. Close windows and doors to prevent more humidity from entering the area.
- Pump it-If standing water is present, try a sump pump to extract excess water to the outside.
- Shop Vac-Invest in a good wet/dry shop vac and use it to extract water from floors, carpet, and upholstered furniture.
- Remove Contents-Remove any wet textiles such as rugs, curtains, toweling, clothing, wet insulation, drywall, and basically anything that absorbs water or that water can get underneath.
- Deep Freeze-Any documents, photographs, books or other small items made of paper or cardboard can be put into the freezer to stop them from further deterioration until you can give them over to a professional document restorer.
Restoring your property after water damage can be daunting. Some homeowners prefer to DIY and these tips will help in that effort. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the process, contact Advance Restoration at 866-465-2409. One of our friendly operators will be happy to set up an appointment for service. Our water damage experts can ensure that the area is safe, remove the water, and repair any damages.