Water Damage and Flood Restoration Checklist-1

1. 1ST AMERICAN PLUMBING, HEATING & AIR WATER DAMAGE AND FLOOD RESTORATION CHECKLIST One of the most difficult things to go through as a homeowner is discovering water damage to your home from flooding or a plumbing issue. Personal property is often damaged, and you’re racing against time to save your home and property. Whether the flooding is from storms, a burst pipe, or a natural disaster, flood waters not only damage property, but the water can also seep into the support structure of your home, warping and weakening framing, beams, or floors. CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY Once you’ve moved you and your loved ones to safety, contact your insurance company. There may be resources available to you through your insurance provider to help. In the event that the loss isn’t covered, they might be able to put you in contact with companies that can provide flood damage cleanup or restoration. There are many Plumbing Companies that can help with cleanup and restoration as well. CHECK YOUR HOME’S STRUCTURE Before you begin any water damage clean up, it’s essential you have your home inspected for any signs of structural damage. As we mentioned earlier, flood water can seep into the wood and materials that support your home. Be sure to check for damage to your drywall, support beams, hardwood floors, staircases, or foundation. You should also inspect your HVAC equipment to ensure it’s not leaking or running. The electrical to your home should be shut off before you enter any standing water to prevent the possibility of electrocution. 7000 Commerce Park Dr, Midvale, UT 84047, United States (801) 477-5818 1stamericanplumbing.com

2. DOCUMENT DAMAGED ITEMS REMOVE SOAKED ITEMS Once you’ve determined your home is safe to enter, put on protective gear including gloves, boots, and safety glasses or goggles. Take photos or a video with date and time stamps so you can present these to your insurance company. This includes items like wet furniture, soaked carpets, and soggy personal property. Be sure to include imagery of how high the water rose inside your home. Any items that are sitting in water should be removed quickly. Some items can be saved and cleaned, but you need to throw out any electronics, books, or furniture that can’t be restored. Take photos and make a log of any personal property that could possibly be covered under your homeowner’s insurance. Your insurance agent should be able to tell you if you’re covered for those items. BEGIN THE INITIAL CLEANUP DRY OUT YOUR HOME Cleanup from the damage in your home could be a small or large project. Always wear your protective gear before you begin and consider wearing an N95 mask to protect yourself contaminants. If your flooding is from a large storm or natural disaster, begin by shoveling mud from hard surfaces. Clear out as much dirt and debris as possible, and spray wash what you can. You should use a heavy-duty detergent and hot water to wash down areas that have dirt stains. Use fans and dehumidifiers to speed up drying time. if you’ve only experienced water damage in your home, once you’ve taken out all of your personal items, open all doors and windows to allow airflow into your house. Again, dehumidifiers and fans can help, and a wet vacuum can help speed up the job. These helpful items make clearing rooms of excess moisture much easier. Clean up puddles of water first, move to damp surfaces, everything with the mixture of water and bleach we mentioned above. from airborne then wipe down 7000 Commerce Park Dr, Midvale, UT 84047, United States (801) 477-5818 1stamericanplumbing.com