Responding to Water Damage

Homeowners in Panama City Beach know the risks of water damage from storms. When disasters like hurricanes or tornadoes strike, devastation usually follows. When your home or office building has been damaged, it is overwhelming emotionally, physically, and financially. The best way to handle any form of disaster is to be prepared beforehand. Knowing how to respond in the face of water damage from a storm can help mitigate costs and further damage. The team at Daystar Cleaning and Restoration has come up with a step-by-step action plan to help homeowners in Panama City Beach know to respond quickly and effectively to mitigate damage when disaster strikes.

We recommend you call an IICRC restoration team to assist you every step of the way. Most restoration companies work with your insurance company to restore your home and possessions safely and efficiently. After you have called a restoration crew, there are some things you can do to help the process go smoothly and mitigate any further damage. The following are the steps we recommend you take after calling a restoration company.

Responding to Water Damage After a Storm:

1. Contact your Insurance Agency. Whether or not your policy covers water damage from natural disasters, it is still important to reach out to your homeowners insurance and let them know what has happened. It is also beneficial to let your insurance agency know which restoration company you are working with. Most restoration companies have experience working with insurance companies and will be able to help file claims or answer questions you may have.
2. Before entering a storm flooded home, evaluate its structural integrity. When in doubt, do not enter at all until a qualified structural builder or engineer has cleared the home.
3. Take appropriate steps to ensure safety. Make sure power sources are turned off, keep young children and pets out of the affected area, and treat all water as if it is contaminated. Wear personal protective clothing (rubber gloves, boots, etc) if you have to be in contact with water, but try to avoid it.
4. Document Damage. Take photos or even a video of the damage your property has ensued. An adjuster will be sent to your home to evaluate the loss, but do not wait for them to arrive before you begin documenting it yourself. If you need to begin the restoration process before a claims representative arrives, photos will help to prove loss mitigation.
5. Open doors and windows to allow ventilation. Airflow will discourage microbial growth and spread.
6. Remove furniture or standing items that can be taken out of the area. Items that have been damaged beyond repair will only take up space and hold onto unnecessary moisture in the area.
7. Do not panic. It is stressful and overwhelming when dealing with this type of water damage. However, if you can stay calm and in control, everything will be much easier to deal with. If you have called a restoration team, like Daystar, you can be assured that you are in good hands.

It is important to be aware of what steps you can take to help protect your property and belongings after water damage. If you have any other questions, would like more information, or have sustained water damage, contact Daystar Cleaning and Restoration. We are happy to help!