Water damage can wreck your life. But there are steps you can take to mitigate the damage and keep your world from spinning completely out of control.

The first thing to do is to act quickly. If you spot a water problem – a broken pipe, a broken line, a busted water heater, an overflowing toilet or sink – speed is essential. Wasted time means additional damage, which could mean a higher cost and longer return to normal.

Here is a checklist to follow you should take if you walk in and discover you’ve got puddles of water in places it’s not supposed to be.

Stop the source of the water. Shut off the valve that leads to the problem area or turn it off at the street. This will only take a minute and will stop the source of the water, giving you time to think clearly and move forward.

If necessary, turn off the electricity. If the water is near an electrical outlet, it makes sense to go to your breaker panel and shut off the power to the area that is affected. If your breaker isn’t marked, go ahead and kill the power to entire house. You don’t want to play around with electricity!

Call your First In Restoration professional. The trained professional can arrive quickly and help you understand how the cleanup and restoration process works. The technician can help keep you safe and guide you through the process of getting your problem solved, including walking alongside you with the insurance company.

Document the damage. Use you smartphone and take photos and videos of the damage. Don’t miss anything. Document everything in the rooms that have been affected, including the furniture, carpet or flooring, walls, ceilings and your personal items. Do this before you start cleaning up. The more documentation you provide, the more you will help your claim with the insurance company.

Contact your insurance provider. You need to report the damage as soon as possible. (Our First In Restoration team can help you with this process and show you how to avoid some of the traps an insurance company may set that could possibly cost you money.) Follow their instructions; they’ll explain any documents they’ll need or how to work through the process of emergency repairs.

Remove standing water and begin the drying process. After documenting the damage (that’s a key point), you’ll want to get rid of all the visible water. You can remove a lot of it by using a wet vac or an old-fashioned mop. Use cloth towels and paper towels to get up the smaller spots.

Remove wet materials that can’t be salvaged. That water-soaked carpet and padding has to go. Ditch that soaked insulation. Remove the damaged drywall or other porous materials that can’t be dried promptly. Cleaning and disinfecting affected surfaces also helps reduce mold and bacteria.

Dry out the area. First In Restoration has larger, powerful fans and heaters that can be used to properly dry out your property. In the meantime, run whatever fans you have, open the windows (if weather permits), and fire up the dehumidifiers. That will help slow the process until First In Restoration can bring in the powerful equipment that will be needed.

Make the cleanup a priority. Time is of the essence because mold can begin growing within 24-28 hours of the disaster. A hasty cleanup will reduce the chance that mold will get a foothold and cause even more damage.

Earlier this week, Georgia got hit with a ton of heavy rain. The pollen count was super high and we needed the rain! However, with rain there comes moisture issues you may not have noticed until now. After the storm if you noticed puddles forming around the foundation or any water getting into your basement, it’s time to call in the professionals at First In Restoration. Didn’t experience any rude water getting in? That’s great news! Next time you may not be as lucky so but with a few proactive steps, you can protect your home from water damage before the next big storm rolls in.

1. Keep Gutters and Downspouts Clear

Clogged gutters are a big culprit behind home flooding. Make sure your gutters are clean and the downspouts are directing water at least five feet away from your home’s foundation. Some additional ways to keep the water flowing — 1) add downspout extensions to prevent water from pooling too close to your home, 2) add gutter guards that keep debris out of your gutters.

2. Check and Seal Foundation Cracks

Even a small crack in your foundation can let water into your basement. You need to routinely inspect for gaps and seal them with waterproof caulk or hydraulic cement to keep moisture out. We recommend having a trained professional come out to take a look and make repairs.

3. Install a Sump Pump to Prevent Basement Water Damage

Your sump pump prevents your basement from flooding. If you don’t have one, install a sump pump. If you already have one, test it regularly to make sure it works (You don’t want to wait until it’s raining to find out it’s broken). A battery backup is a smart investment to keep it running during power outages (which we get a lot of during spring storms).

4. Ensure Proper Yard Drainage

Landscaping isn’t just to beautify your yard. Your lawn service can also properly slope your yard so it’s sloping away from your home. This will prevent rainwater from pooling up near your foundation. If you notice standing water then have your landscaper regrade or even install a French drain which can help redirect it.

5. Window Wells Covers

Rainwater loves to push its way into basement windows. Consider installing clear, durable window well covers that will keep water out but still allows natural light into your basement.

6. Maintain Your Plumbing

Leaky pipes or an old water heater can contribute to excess moisture. Regular plumbing maintenance helps prevent minor problems from turning into major water damage issues.

7. Install a Sewer Backup Valve

If you live in an area prone to sewer backups, a backup valve can prevent category three wastewater from flowing into your basement during heavy storms.

8. Use Rain Gardens to Manage Runoff

A rain garden is a beautiful, smart and eco-friendly way to absorb excess rainwater. When you strategically place one in your yard, it can help reduce water runoff and it will ease pressure on your drainage system. Learn more about rain gardens HERE.

Protect Your Home with First In Restoration

Taking these simple steps can help prevent basement water damage, but sometimes, even the best preparation isn’t enough. If you’re dealing with water damage or want to reinforce your home’s defenses, First In Restoration is here to help. Our team of IICRC-certified professionals specializes in water damage restoration, emergency plumbing and moisture control. We respond 24/7 to emergencies, ensuring your home stays dry and mold-free.

Call First In Restoration today at 470-748-0225 or visit www.firstinrestoration.com to schedule an inspection.