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-This is a list of tips to help you, the home owner,
minimize the damage to your home in the even of a water loss. Each water
loss is unique in regards to the the home, its contents, occupants, safety and
health concerns. It is the home owners responsibility to decide which
steps are necessary and what steps to undertake on their own.-
- Locate the source of the water and turn it off. If there is
not a valve close to the break to shut it off, turn off your water at
the main shut off valve. (look by the street if all else fails)
- Call your insurance carrier immediately. This does not mean you
have to file a claim. This is a decision for you to make after the
damage has been assessed. Your insurance carrier should be able to
refer you to a mitigation specialist (ServiceMaster of Vancouver
360-696-1311) who should
be readily available to help you. The majority of mitigation
contractors work 24/7, 365 days a year.
- Pick up any fabrics or magazines that are on the wet flooring.
Dyes can bleed into carpet while wet. Pick up all small nick-nacks
around your home. Inspect the bottom of your furniture. If it is
wood or metal, place tin foil (or tupperware lids work well too) under the
feet to keep the rust/wood furniture stain from bleeding into the flooring.
- Extraction of water may or may not be recommended as overly aggressive
extraction can cause further damage to your flooring. If you choose to
extract, do so only with the intention of removing the initial standing
water. Your mitigation specialist can determine what form of water
extraction to use in your home.
- Take a deep breath, hopefully by now your mitigation specialist will be
arriving on the scene shortly. Once they have arrived and inspected
the site, they should be able to answer any questions you may have.
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