Water damage can be a devastating event, causing significant damage to your property and belongings. By taking immediate action, you can minimize the extent of the damage and protect your health.
## What to Do Immediately After Water Damage
1. **Shut off the water source.** If possible, locate the source of the leak and turn off the water valve.
2. **Remove standing water.** Using a pump or wet/dry vacuum, remove as much standing water as possible.
3. **Open windows and doors.** Ventilate the area to reduce humidity and prevent mold growth.
4. **Contact a professional water damage cleanup company.** They have the equipment and expertise to properly clean up the damage and prevent further issues.
## Additional Tips for Water Damage Cleanup
* **Document the damage.** Take photos and videos of the affected areas to provide to your insurance company.
* **Discard damaged items.** Any items that have been heavily saturated or contaminated should be discarded.
* **Clean and disinfect surfaces.** Use a disinfectant solution to clean all surfaces that have come into contact with water.
* **Monitor for mold growth.** Mold can develop within 48 hours of water damage. Check for signs of mold and contact a mold remediation specialist if necessary.