Whether it’s the result of heavy rain or a burst pipe, floods can significantly damage your home and belongings. It’s important to act quickly so you can salvage as much of your possessions as possible. Below, the restoration professionals at Hudepohl Restoration in Louisville, KY, and Cincinnati, OH, share some advice that can help you save your items from potential water damage.

How to Save Your Possessions From Water Damage

1. Prioritize Your Belongings

Depending on how many of your belongings were caught in the flood, you may not be able to save them all. It’s best to prioritize by salvaging the items that hold the most value, whether monetary or sentimental. Many follow this process naturally, but those who prefer to start small or get the large items out of the way quickly should resist the temptation. It may help to store valuable items on high shelves away from plumbing and windows to prevent damage altogether and make them easy to grab.

2. Air-Dry & Lightly Clean Items

If the weather is appropriate, it’s best to open the windows first so your items can air dry as quickly as possible. If not, you can also use fans or air conditioning to dry your items. Never use heat to dry items as this can cause irreversible damage. You can use a soft cloth to wipe any dirt or debris off the surface to prevent staining.

3. Be Gentle With Delicate Items

Delicate items, such as photographs, must be handled with care to avoid additional damage. Take photographs out of damp albums and keep them stored in a dry place. You should also remove paintings and pictures from their frames. If there are any items you can’t give immediate attention to, keep them away from the water in an unsealed box or bag. Try to increase ventilation to help them dry out as much as possible while you tend to other belongings.

If you recently had a flood in your home, call a property restoration company as soon as possible to minimize the water damage. The team at Hudepohl Restoration in Louisville, KY, and Cincinnati, OH, has over 30 years of experience with various types of restoration services, from fire cleanup to mold remediation. Contact them today at (502) 873-5744 to schedule an appointment or visit their website for more information about their full list of services.