Water damage can affect everything from roofs, walls, and foundations to personal property, valuables, and everyday essentials that fill your home. If left unchecked, this damage can destroy the structure of your home, rendering certain rooms—or even the entire property—unlivable. It can also promote mold and pest infestations. While you wait for water damage professionals to arrive, here are a few important steps to take to help minimize the destruction and better ensure the safety of your home and family.

A Guide to Water Damage Cleanup

1. Turn Off the Power

To prevent a fire, disconnect power to the spaces affected by water damage. Locate the switches on the breaker box that supply electricity to these rooms, and flip them to the off position. If you're not sure what breakers correspond to which rooms, or if the damage is widespread throughout the home, flip the main breaker to disconnect all electricity. Once the renovation service arrives, they will let you know when it is safe to turn the power back on.

2. Remove Electronics & Valuables

Most electronics are costly possessions, so these should be the first items removed from the home and away from water damage. Computers, smartphones and tablets, televisions, and stereos should only be moved once the power has been shut off.

Survey the room and remove any items that are financially or sentimentally valuable, such as photo albums, jewelry, passports, birth certificates, and Social Security cards. The restoration service will take care of furniture, carpeting, and other heavy or awkward items.

3. Identify Mold

Mold can start to grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and exposure to it can cause serious health problems. Begin looking for mold right away after experiencing water damage. It may appear as green, black, or brown spots on walls, ceilings, or floors. You might also notice a strong, musty odor. Point out mold locations to the restoration team so they can take the safe and proper steps to remove it effectively.

When you need water damage restoration in the Tallassee, AL, trust R & R Construction & Roofing. Since 2000, they have provided local residential and commercial fire and water damage cleanup services. They also offer a variety of home improvement solutions, including roof replacements, new siding, and home additions. Call (334) 283-2129 or visit their website to request a quote.