We recommend that you should always have an expert evaluate the damage before you choose to do any sort of cleanup yourself. Many times the damage is more extensive than you realize. If indeed that is the case, then having a professional company conduct the water damage cleanup is in your best interests.

Water Extraction as Step 1 in Water Damage Cleanup

After an evaluation of the damage, water extraction is likely to be the first step. You’ll need a way to get rid of any standing water. The longer you leave water sitting, the more damage is caused. Time is not on your side, so you will need to move as fast as possible to remove it. You may need to turn off the electricity to the water damaged area as well, particularly if the standing water is at a level that can reach electrical sockets, or if there are electrical cords touching the ground. You need to be as safe as humanly possible! After that’s done, pumping out the water is the next step.

Water Damage Cleanup and Drying the Area

One of the first things you can do, even as you are getting rid of excess water, is to turn on any fans you have in the basement. Open any windows that open to outside air. Get the air moving and circulating. This can immediately help to reduce humidify the atmosphere of the basement. Afterward, you may still need to get a professional company to bring in industrial strength fans, heaters and dehumidifiers. You will want to make sure that mold doesn’t have a chance to begin growing if at all possible. The health of you and your family is at stake. If you have any doubts about your own abilities to do the job as thoroughly as it needs to be done, we recommend having a professional company do it for you.