 Often, much property damage from water can't be seen. Driven in by a flood, hurricane, or even a tornado, water can seep deep into the structure of the home—even in hidden areas. Other major causes of water damage include sump pump or sewage line malfunction, a broken pipe, ruptured water heater, or even water used to extinguish a fire. Sometimes the owner is out of town on business or on vacation, only to return to a home saturated by water, quite possibly also open to the elements.
Before Water Damage Occurs
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-Save or take photographs of your receipts for big-ticket items such as your computers, televisions, couches, tables, chairs, sofas, pianos, or other items that may get damaged.
-Keep these pictures and receipts someplace especially safe such as a fire and water-proof safe, a safety deposit box at a bank, or in a secure "cloud" account on the web.
-Some insurance companies may need you to share these pictures with them beforehand, so check with your insurer or agent.
When You Notice Water Damage
1. Detect the water source and shut the water off as quickly as possible.
Many times there is a pipe that burst; shut off the pipe at its
source. If the water is seeping in from outside, take steps to prevent
the water from further entering into your property. Less water inside
means less damage. Be safe. Consider whether the building you are
entering is structurally sound, or whether there may be serious dangers
to entering or 
living
in the building. If you are unclear whether the structure or building
is safe, use reasonable caution and stay somewhere else. There are
hotels, motels, possibly friends or family where you can stay out of
harms way. Contact your insurance agent or insurance company to inform
them of the loss to your property and the unsafe condition. You will
receive a claim number which you should keep on you at all times until
your matter is resolved. Contact a public Adjuster at 1800ADJUSTERS to
get someone out to see your property and deal with your insurance
company as quickly as possible.
2. Take pictures and video of the damage.
Especially these days with digital cameras, you can never take too many pictures. Go back and review the pictures to be sure the lighting is good and that they capture the damage from different angles. If you can, e-mail the pictures where your e-mail is saved so they may be preserved; put the pictures onto a digital cloud so they wont be lost.
3. Be sure you have strong evidence of the way the damage looks before you clean up.
Do not let a restoration company or cleaning crew work on your property until you have all the pictures well taken and preserved.
4. Maintain all your receipts, proof of your expenses, and keep detailed records on the work done or paid for.
Restoration can be a very involved process and you will have to prove everything to the insurance company so these records are vital.
5. Selecting your Restoration Service
In selecting a company to restore your building, rooms, basement, or damaged areas, structure, check around to make sure they are licensed, insured, and experienced.
6. Have professionals look for hidden damage.
Look
carefully and have the professionals look carefully too not just for
open and look for not just apparent water but also for hidden damage. The hidden damage
may be located under the carpet, behind floorboards, above ceiling
panels, in the walls themselves, in ducts, and where you simply could
not see. One of the biggest dangers is the spawning and growth of mold
where the water collected or seeped. There are forms of mold that are
toxic. Mold can potentially cause you physical harm. Tests for mold by
a professional may be an essential part of the damage review process.
Know that you are not alone. There are also professional licensed public adjusters who are ready to help you find all the hidden damage, document everything, and help you deal with the Insurance Company. 1-800-ADJUSTER is a valuable resource to help you get what you should for your water damage insurance claim.
