Water is the most common cause of property damage. It can invade your home or business as a result of a natural cause, such as a rainstorm, or one that is man-made, such as faulty plumbing. But regardless of how common or the source, the effects of water damage on a home or business can be devastating. Water, and especially flooding, can cause rotting wood, rust, mold, and other types of destruction. Therefore, time is always of the essence when it comes to water damage. A little forsight will allow you to act quickly and prevent more extensive damage from occurring.

The following are words of advice if and when you are faced with water or flood damage in your home or business; specifically if the source is within the structure, such as a broken pipe or a leaking water heater:

• Know where the main water shutoff is for your home or business. Do not wait until water is gushing out of control to try to locate this shutoff valve. It is essential that you know its location before you are faced with an emergency.
• If a water loss occurs, turn the water off first at the source of the problem, then at the main line, using the before mentioned shutoff valve.
• If flooding occurs, disconnect the power either to the affected area or to whole building, depending on the severity. Do so especially if water has risen above electrical outlets. Unplug any electronics immediately and remove them. However, as an added precaution, even if you have turned the power off, do not touch any electrical appliances that are plugged in and sitting in water.
• Pick up and move out anything valuable as quickly as possible, including furniture if feasible. Water will “seek out” and “travel toward” dry areas- wet seeks dry. Therefore, the faster you get items out of water’s way, the more likely that the items will be salvageable.
• DO NOT try to “suck up” water with a regular vacuum- this can cause electrocution.
• As soon as you have stopped the water flow, disconnected the power, if necessary, and moved any valuables, call your insurance agent or insurance carrier to get a list of approved water damage restoration vendors. (These vendors have negotiated pricing with your insurance company, are properly licensed and insured, and know the appropriate techniques to remediate any water damage.)
• If a water, fire or mold remediation company asks you to sign an “assignment of benefits,” DO NOT SIGN IT– especially if you are being pressured to sign and do not understand the language written therein. Signing this document can put you in a disastrous position with respect to an insurance claim, should you choose to file one.

Joe Taylor Restoration is the preferred water, fire, mold, and biohazard remediation vendor for over 45 insurance carriers in the South and West Florida markets. We are able to assist you with any water related questions, and will provide the best in flood or water damage restoration services every time. When faced with water or flood damage, call Joe Taylor Restoration right away.