A Guide to Protecting Your Belongings from Storm Damage in Anaheim, CA

9/13/2023 (Permalink)

Storms can strike unexpectedly, putting your belongings and valuables at risk.

Storms can strike unexpectedly, putting your belongings and valuables at risk. In this post, we're focusing on an essential topic: Protecting Your Belongings from Storm Damage. Whether it's rain, wind, or lightning, being prepared can make all the difference. Let's explore effective strategies to keep your valuables safe and sound when Mother Nature unleashes her fury.

1. Water-Resistant Storage Solutions: A Solid Investment

Anaheim's occasional heavy rainfall underscores the importance of water-resistant storage options. Invest in plastic bins with secure lids to protect items like clothing, documents, and electronics from water damage. Elevate these bins if possible to prevent ground-level flooding from seeping in.

2. Secure Outdoor Items: Preventing Wind-Related Damage

Strong winds are a common occurrence during storms, posing a risk to outdoor items. Anchor down patio furniture, garden tools, and other loose items to prevent them from becoming projectiles. Storing these items indoors, if feasible, can further mitigate potential damage.

3. Reinforce Windows and Doors: A Barrier Against Impact

Windows and doors are vulnerable during storms, especially if debris gets propelled by the wind. Installing storm shutters or reinforcing windows with plywood can prevent shattering. Secure doors with sturdy locks to minimize the risk of wind forcing them open.

4. Electronic Protection: Unplugging for Safety

Electronics are sensitive to power surges caused by lightning strikes. Unplug valuable electronics and appliances during storms to prevent damage from power fluctuations. Surge protectors can also offer an added layer of defense.

5. Roof and Gutter Maintenance: Preventing Water Infiltration

Regularly inspect and maintain your roof and gutters. Well-maintained gutters ensure proper drainage, reducing the risk of water pooling and seeping into your home. Damaged roof shingles should be repaired promptly to prevent leaks during heavy rainfall.

6. Consider Off-Site Storage: An Extra Layer of Security

For irreplaceable items, consider off-site storage solutions. Safe deposit boxes, digital backups for important documents, and storing sentimental belongings with family or friends can provide extra peace of mind.

7. Insurance Coverage: Financial Protection

Review your insurance policy to understand coverage for storm-related damages. If necessary, consider adding extra coverage to ensure your belongings are protected in case of unexpected events.

Stay Prepared, Stay Protected

By implementing these practical strategies, you're taking proactive steps to protect your belongings from the unpredictable weather patterns that Anaheim can experience. Remember, preparation is key to minimizing the impact of storms on your possessions. If storm damage does occur, SERVPRO of Anaheim West is here to help restore your home and belongings to their pre-storm condition.

The Importance of Content Restoration and Cleaning After a Disaster

8/21/2023 (Permalink)

When it comes to disaster restoration, content cleaning is a crucial step in the process.

Disasters can strike at any time, which can often lead to a great deal of damage to your property. Efforts to restore the affected structure can be time-consuming and expensive, but it’s necessary to have it done to prevent further damage and maintain structural integrity. One important aspect of restoring a property after a disaster is content cleaning. The process of cleaning and restoring damaged content is an essential part of the recovery process, and it's important to understand the importance of content cleaning, how it's done, and who can help you get it done.

What is Content Restoration and Cleaning?

Content restoration, or content cleaning, is the process of cleaning, restoring, and repairing any damaged personal belongings or contents within a residence or place of business. This includes items like clothing, furniture, appliances, electronics, and anything in between that could be affected by water, fire, or mold. The process of content cleaning is essential in the complete restoration of the property.

Why is Content Restoration and Cleaning Necessary?

After a disaster, it's not uncommon for there to be damage to the property’s content. Although it might seem easier and faster to throw out the damaged items, content cleaning can be a less expensive alternative to replacing everything and can help to save a great deal of money and a lot of memories. The benefits of content cleaning include:

• Preservation of sentimental items that can never be replaced.
• Lower costs than replacement of all items.
• Quick and efficient process, less time-consuming than replacing everything.
• Re-use of items that may still be functional but require cleaning and repair.

Content cleaning can be especially useful in situations where there may be insurance claims involved, as it can allow them to properly assess and document the damage to the content and potentially reduce the claim amount.

Types of Content Restoration and Cleaning Services

There are many different types of restoration content cleaning services available, and the right one for you will depend on your specific needs. These services can range from cleaning items on-site to taking them to a specialized facility for deeper cleaning and restoration. Some common content-cleaning services include:

• Dry cleaning – for items that can't get wet like clothes and drapery
• Wet cleaning – for things like furniture, bedding, and linens.
• Electronics cleaning – for devices and appliances that may have been damaged by electric surges or exposure to moisture or soot.
• Furniture repair – for repairing furniture such as reupholstering chairs, replacing legs, and fixing dents or scratches.

Who Can Help with Content Restoration and Cleaning?

There are many professionals in the disaster restoration industry that can help with this process. These professionals have the expertise and equipment needed to clean and restore your damaged personal belongings or contents after a disaster. Some companies even specialize in content cleaning only.

Professionals will assess the damage and determine the appropriate cleaning and restoration method to be used. Once the method has been decided on, the cleaning and restoring process will begin. You may be surprised to learn how much of the damaged content can be restored and made usable once again.

When it comes to disaster restoration, content cleaning is a crucial step in the process. It saves time and money while ensuring the preservation of the sentimental and valuable items in your possession. The help of professional content cleaners makes this process more effective, efficient, and thorough. Before starting the content cleaning process, you should always assess the damages and contact the correct disaster restoration company. By doing this, you can help to ensure that the cleaning and restoration process is done properly, that your content is not permanently damaged, and lastly will allow you to get your life back to normal.

Essential Strategies to Protect Your Property from Flood Damage

6/17/2023 (Permalink)

Floods can pose a significant threat to buildings, causing extensive damage and disrupting business operations.

Floods can pose a significant threat to buildings, causing extensive damage and disrupting business operations. However, taking proactive measures to protect your building from flood damage can mitigate risks and enhance its resilience. In this blog post, we will explore essential steps and strategies to safeguard your property against floods, helping you minimize potential losses and ensure the safety and continuity of your business.

Understand Flood Risk and Preparedness

Start by understanding the flood risk associated with your location. Research local flood maps, consult with relevant authorities, and assess historical flood data to determine the likelihood and severity of potential flooding. Stay informed about weather alerts and flood warnings to enable timely response and preparedness.

Implement Proper Drainage Systems

Ensure that your building has effective drainage systems in place. Clear gutters, downspouts, and drains regularly to prevent blockages and facilitate proper water flow. Install additional drainage systems, such as French drains or sump pumps, if necessary, to redirect excess water away from your building's foundation.

Elevate Critical Utilities and Equipment

Raise critical utilities, electrical systems, and equipment above flood-prone areas. Elevate electrical panels, HVAC units, generators, and other essential equipment to higher floors or platforms. This reduces the risk of damage and minimizes potential downtime during and after a flood event.

Install Flood Barriers and Protective Seals

Consider installing flood barriers and protective seals to prevent water intrusion through vulnerable entry points. Flood barriers, such as flood-resistant doors and windows, can create a watertight seal, reducing the likelihood of floodwater entering your building. Protective seals, such as silicone-based sealants, can be applied to gaps, cracks, and openings to fortify them against water infiltration.

Waterproof Basement and Lower Levels

If your building has a basement or lower levels, take proactive measures to waterproof these areas. Apply waterproof coatings or sealants to basement walls and floors. Install sump pumps and consider using waterproof materials for insulation and finishes. Regularly inspect and maintain the integrity of these waterproofing measures.

Secure Valuable Documents and Equipment

Protect important documents, records, and valuable equipment by storing them in water-resistant or elevated locations. Utilize waterproof safes or cabinets for critical documents and consider digitizing important records to ensure their preservation. Secure equipment and machinery on elevated platforms or shelves to minimize exposure to floodwaters.

Develop an Emergency Response Plan

Create a comprehensive emergency response plan specifically tailored for flood situations. This plan should include evacuation procedures, designated assembly points, communication protocols, and responsibilities for employees. Conduct drills and training sessions to familiarize everyone with the plan and ensure a swift and organized response during an actual flood event.

Protecting your building from flood damage requires a proactive and comprehensive approach. By understanding flood risks, implementing proper drainage systems, elevating critical utilities, installing flood barriers, waterproofing lower levels, securing valuable documents, developing an emergency response plan, and obtaining flood insurance coverage, you can significantly enhance the resilience of your building. Prioritize flood preparedness and regularly review and update your mitigation strategies to ensure ongoing protection. By taking these steps, you can minimize potential damage, safeguard your property, and maintain business continuity even in the face of a flood.

Is Your Home Covered? Understanding Mold Damage and Homeowners Insurance

5/8/2023 (Permalink)

It is important to know what your insurance policy covers when it comes to mold damage.

Mold damage is defined as any damage to your home that is caused by mold. Mold can grow on walls, floors and other surfaces inside your home. It can also grow outside if there's enough humidity in the air.

Mold can grow when moisture gets trapped in a space where it doesn't dry out quickly. This happens when there's too much water leaking into a house from pipes or HVAC systems or when rainwater leaks through windows. If you have moisture problems that lead to mold growth then you may need an insurance claim for repairs, but only if those repairs are covered under your homeowners policy!

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

As a homeowner, you may be wondering what types of damages are covered by your insurance policy. This can be especially important if you've recently experienced water damage or mold growth in your home. In general, most standard homeowners insurance policies cover the following:

• Fire and lightning damage
• Accidental injury or death caused by fire or explosion
• Damage from smoke that results from fire or explosion
• Damage from freezing pipes (if they burst)

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold Damage?

What is typically covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy when it comes to mold damage?

If you have a water leak that causes the mold, your policy will cover the cost of repairs and replacement items. You may also be able to get reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses related to the cleanup process (like hiring a professional cleaning company).

What isn't typically covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy

If you don't have any visible signs of moisture or water damage in your home or no visible evidence of an issue with mold, your insurer may deny your claim on the grounds that there was no active cause for concern at all. They could potentially pay out some money toward fixing up your house after discovering hidden damage later down the line, but they're likely only going to reimburse what's reasonable based on what kind of repairs were necessary at that point in time, anything else would fall under "extras".

How to File a Claim for Mold Damage

You've done the research and know that you have to file a claim for mold damage. You're ready to take action, but what exactly should you do?
Here are some steps to take when filing a claim:

Contact your insurance agent or company representative. They will help guide you through the process of filing a claim and provide information on how much money they think it will cost them (and therefore, how much they will pay).

Find out if there are any specific requirements regarding documentation such as photographs or medical records related specifically to your situation before submitting any paperwork related to this incident--this way there won't be any surprises later on down the line!

Buy commercial property insurance instead of residential property insurance. Commercial policies are more likely than residential policies to include provisions covering water damage caused by leaks or floods as well as mold growth on walls and ceilings due to humidity issues within buildings' structures themselves rather than just external factors like flooding rains outside.

Mold damage is not covered by homeowners insurance unless you have a separate policy that covers mold. If you do, then it's important to know the limits of your coverage and what steps to take if there's a problem. If you're concerned about the possibility of mold in your home or business, we recommend hiring an expert to inspect for it.

After the Fire: Steps Homeowners Should Take for Recovery and Restoration

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

Hire a professional restoration company to help eliminate smoke odor.

Experiencing a fire in your home can be a traumatic event. After the flames have been extinguished, it's important to take immediate action to start the process of recovery. In this blog, we'll discuss the steps homeowners should take after a fire to ensure the safety of their families, preserve their property, and begin the restoration process.

The first step after a fire is to contact your insurance company to report the damage. They will guide you through the claims process and provide information on what to do next. Make sure to document everything, including damage to your property and personal belongings, and keep receipts for any expenses incurred.

Secure your belongings

After a fire, your property may be vulnerable to further damage or theft. Board up any broken windows or doors, and secure any openings in the roof or walls. You may also need to turn off utilities such as gas and electricity to prevent further damage.

Document the Damage

Take photos or videos of the damage to your property and personal belongings. This documentation can be used to support your insurance claim and may be required to receive benefits.

Contact a Professional Restoration Company

A professional restoration company can help assess the damage and provide a plan for restoration. They will have the expertise and equipment necessary to safely clean and restore your property, and can help salvage as much as possible. SERVPRO of Anaheim West is a local leader in fire damage cleanup and restoration and is here to help!

Assess Your Personal Belongings

After a fire, it's important to assess your personal belongings to determine what can be salvaged and what needs to be discarded. Clothing, linens, and other washable items may be able to be cleaned, while items that have been significantly damaged by fire or water may need to be disposed of.

Address Smoke Odor

Even after the fire has been extinguished, smoke odor can linger in your home. A professional restoration company can help eliminate smoke odor using techniques such as air purification, ozone treatment, and thermal fogging.

Experiencing a fire in your home can be a devastating event, but taking the right steps after a fire can help ensure your safety, preserve your property, and begin the restoration process. By contacting your insurance company, securing your property, documenting the damage, contacting a professional restoration company, assessing your personal belongings, and addressing smoke odor, you can start the process of recovery and get back to your normal life.

How to find your main water shutoff valve

3/8/2023 (Permalink)

Shut off the water main to ensure no water damage occurs in your home.

If you're like most homeowners, you've probably wondered how to turn off your water line. You may have even considered calling a plumber to find out where it's located and if they can help you shut it off temporarily while working on some project that requires shutting off the water supply. Before doing this however, there are several steps to take which can save time and money without having to call an expensive professional!

Check your water meter.

When you notice a leak, check the water meter to see if it's running. This will help you determine where the leak is coming from and how much water is being wasted.

If you want to know how much money your family is spending on water each month, check the meter every couple weeks. That way, when someone uses too much hot water or leaves an appliance turned on too long in a room that doesn't need it. Look for a main shut-off valve.

Look for a main shut-off valve. The main water shut-off valve is usually located near the street, so if you're having trouble finding it, look around your house for any pipes that may lead to it. If there are none, check with neighbors or ask them if they have ever seen one nearby. If all else fails, look at your water meter, it should be located on an exterior wall in plain sight and can usually be identified by its large size.

If there's no main shut off valve or meter available and this isn't something you're comfortable doing yourself (you might want to call an expert), then try looking for an underground pipe coming out of the ground nearby--this could indicate where a buried pipe runs under your property to deliver water from city services into houses like yours!

Check the water meter if you don't see a main shutoff valve.

If you don't see a main shutoff valve, check the water meter. It will be on the outside of your home and has two numbers: one that shows how much water has been used over time, and another for how much is currently being used. If you see that number rising quickly or not moving at all, turn off all faucets and toilets in your house (except for one bathroom sink that can be left running). Then call a plumber immediately!

Follow Utilities

Find the water meter by following your utility lines in back of your home and look for any small boxes on the side of the house. If you don't see a main shutoff valve, look for a water meter instead.

If you're lucky enough to have one installed in your yard (this is most common with older homes), then this should make things easy! The main shutoff valve will usually be located near where all of the plumbing lines come together before entering into your home's foundation or basement wall. It may be labeled as "Meter," "Water Main" or something similar.

Once you locate the meter, it's likely that there will be a pipe coming out of it that goes up to the street or sidewalk. After this pipe comes from the meter, there should be an elbow fitting that is attached to another pipe in front of your house leading up to the foundation wall or basement floor. It may be possible to find a valve that regulates flow into one of these pipes inside your home. This can include a valve under a kitchen sink in some cases or on a side wall of your basement or crawlspace in others.

When you need to replace a water line, it's important to know where your main shutoff valve is. The main shutoff valve is the one that controls all of your home's water supply. If you don't know where this valve is located and how to turn it off, then you could end up with some pretty expensive damage if something goes wrong during installation or repair work.

Finding where to turn off your water line when you need to replace it can save you time and money. Give SERVPRO of Anaheim West a call for your water damage emergency. Our technicians are available 24/7.

Things to consider before installing a Fire Sprinkler System

2/9/2023 (Permalink)

Consider a water sprinkler system to protect your home or business incase of a fire.

Fire sprinkler systems are an effective way to prevent fire damage, but there are some things to know before installing them. The fire sprinkler system can decrease the damage from a fire and help protect your home or business from fire damage. It is important to know even though it might save your property from fire damage, you could potentially have water damage as a result of system use.

Fire sprinkler systems are effective

Fire sprinkler systems can help prevent fire damage. A fire sprinkler system is composed of a series of pipes and valves that connect together in a network throughout a building. When the temperature inside reaches a certain level, water is released from these pipes throughout your property.

In addition to their ability to stop flames from spreading too far beyond their starting point, these systems also have other advantages such as increasing safety for people who may be inside the structure if a fire was to break out.

The fire sprinkler system can decrease the damage from a fire

Generally speaking, a fire sprinkler system can do exactly what it says, it can slow or stop a fire from spreading and reduce the damage caused by the flames. When you have a fire sprinkler system installed in your home or workplace, there's one thing that you can be sure of, if there is a fire or smoke the sprinklers will go off.

You will need a lot of space in your attic for the pipes

When installing a fire sprinkler system in your business, you will need to have pipes located in the attic. The pipes will be connected to a water source and also connect to the fire sprinkler system. A valve may also be installed in order for you or someone else to shut off the water flow if there is an issue with your piping or plumbing system.

Deciding whether or not a fire 

Deciding whether or not a fire sprinkler system will work for you is an important step in preparing for any future emergencies you may encounter. There are several factors that need to be considered when deciding on the type of system that's best for your home.

• The size of your home - You'll need to know how large your home is in order to determine whether or not it's necessary for you to install a sprinkler system, which can be costly and time consuming.
• Location of water supply - The location of your water supply will determine how far away from the sprinkler heads the pipes would have to go in order for them to reach all areas of the house where there might be a fire emergency.

If you’re still unsure about whether or not installing a fire sprinkler system is right for your home or business, consider contacting an expert who can help guide you through the process! This system could help save your home or business from a fire.

Roof Leaks Can Cause Mold

1/9/2023 (Permalink)

A small leak can cause damage inside your Anaheim, CA home.

Roof Leaks Can Cause Mold

The best way to keep your Anaheim, CA home safe from water damage is by preventing leaks before they happen. If you’re in need of a new roof or have a leak that needs to be addressed, give us a call!

Mold can Grow From Water Leaks

Mold can be a problem for any homeowner. If you let water enter your home, mold may grow on the surfaces it lands on. Mold growth can cause damage to the structure of your home and make it difficult for you and your family to live. But if you fix roof leaks, you'll prevent this from happening in the first place!

The cost of repairing water damage is expensive, but fixing a leaky roof is one of the best ways to avoid having to deal with these problems later down the road.

Can you Prevent Mold From Growing?

Mold can be prevented by keeping the area dry, cleaning up water that leaks in, ventilating the area, and removing any mold that is growing.

If you Have a Leaking Roof Call Someone Right Away

If you have a leaking roof, don’t wait to get it fixed. Your home is already at risk for mold growth, so don’t add to that risk by letting the leak go unaddressed for weeks or months on end. If your roof has started leaking, call a roofing contractor right away and get the issue taken care of as soon as possible.

In addition to calling someone right away if your roof starts leaking, make sure that you keep up with regular maintenance of your roofing system. This includes checking for leaks regularly—especially after heavy rainfalls—and replacing damaged shingles or tiles when necessary. Also check with local building codes regarding inspections of roofs; some areas require these inspections every few years while others may only require them every 10 years or more seldomly (depending upon where you live).

Water Damage can Cause Even More Damage

When you have a roof leak, the most obvious effect is water damage. Water can seep into your walls and through your ceiling, causing mold growth and wood rot. It can also cause electrical problems in some cases.

Mold is a common problem in homes, and most mold growth is caused by water damage. But if you have a roof leak, it could mean more than just the regular concerns of mold growth. In some cases, that leak can lead to structural damage or even become a fire hazard!

When water damage occurs and the wood beneath your home begins to rot from moisture exposure, it's called "dry rot." If this happens in an area where there's already mold growth (because of leaking pipes or another source), then you're likely going to have some serious problems on your hands. If left untreated for too long, dry rot can cause significant structural issues with your home—not only because of the rotting wood but also because it'll get into other areas like insulation or electrical wiring that doesn't need any additional damage done to them.

Address Leaks as Early as Possible

If you find a roof leak, it's important to fix it as soon as possible. If you don't, the leak will get worse and cause more damage. For example, if your attic floor is wet because of a leaky roof, mold will grow on that wet surface. 

Mold can also grow in walls that are next to the damp part of a ceiling or wall where water has been leaking through cracks in the plaster or drywall over time. 

Call the Professionals 

If you've noticed any of the signs listed above, it's important to take action quickly. Although there are DIY ways to fix a leaky roof, if you want results that last and don't cause further damage to your home or possessions, then it's best to contact a professional roofing company as soon as possible.

When hiring a roofing company, look for:

• Licensed professionals who have insurance and proper certifications in order to protect yourself from liability issues later down the line.
• A business with hundreds or thousands of satisfied customers because they do good work and keep their word.

Although it can be difficult to do so, try to stay calm when you discover a leak in your roof. Getting angry or upset will only worsen the situation and make you more likely to make mistakes that could lead to further problems down the road. If possible, call a professional immediately who will inspect your Anaheim, CA home for damage and provide repair services if necessary.

The 3 Categories of Water Damage

12/29/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless of the type of water damage, it's important to address the problem as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

The 3 Categories of Water Damage

Water damage is a common and potentially costly problem that can affect homes and businesses. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including natural disasters, faulty plumbing, and leaks in the roof or walls. Understanding the different categories of water damage can help you identify the source of the problem, assess the extent of the damage, and determine the best course of action for repair and restoration.

There are three main categories of water damage:

1. Category 1 (clean water): This type of water damage is caused by clean, clear water that does not pose a health risk. Examples include water from a broken supply line or a leaky faucet. This type of water damage is generally easier to clean up and repair, as it does not contain contaminants or bacteria.
2. Category 2 (gray water): This type of water damage is caused by water that has become slightly contaminated, but is not yet considered black water. Examples include water from a washing machine overflow or a toilet with a clean water supply. This type of water damage may require more extensive cleaning and disinfection, as it may contain bacteria or other contaminants.
3. Category 3 (black water): This type of water damage is caused by water that is heavily contaminated. Examples include floodwater, sewage, and water from a backed-up drain. Black water may contain bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances, and should be handled with caution.

Category 1

Examples of sources of category 1 water damage include a broken supply line, a leaky faucet, or a small leak in the roof or walls. In these cases, the water is typically clean and does not pose a health risk, although it can still cause damage to building materials and personal property.

If you suspect that you have category 1 water damage, it's important to take action as soon as possible to prevent further damage. The first step is to identify and stop the source of the water, whether it's a broken pipe or a leaky roof. Next, you'll want to remove any standing water and dry out the affected area. This can be done using fans, dehumidifiers, and other drying equipment.

Category 2

Examples of sources of category 2 water damage include a washing machine overflow, a toilet with a clean water supply, or a dishwasher leak. In these cases, the water may contain bacteria or other contaminants, but it is not as heavily contaminated as black water.

Once the area is dry, you'll need to clean and disinfect the affected area to prevent the growth of bacteria and other contaminants. This may involve using special cleaning agents and following recommended guidelines for cleaning and disinfection.

Category 3

Examples of sources of category 3 water damage include floodwater, sewage, and water from a backed-up drain. In these cases, the water is heavily contaminated and poses a serious health risk to those who come into contact with it.

If you suspect that you have category 3 water damage, it's important to take extreme caution to protect your safety. You should not attempt to clean up or repair the damage yourself, as it is likely that special equipment and expertise are required to safely address the problem.

It's important to identify the category of water damage in order to determine the appropriate course of action for repair and restoration. Category 1 and 2 water damage can usually be cleaned up and repaired relatively easily, while category 3 water damage may require professional cleanup and restoration services. Regardless of the type of water damage, it's important to address the problem as soon as possible to prevent further damage and to protect the health and safety of those in the affected area.

Wet Items Care After Water Damage

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

When an item has been damaged by water and is not salvageable, it should be thrown away.

Wet Items Care After Water Damage

When you have a water loss in your Anaheim, CA home, you will want to know how to clean up and save items that have been damaged. The level of contamination a room receives will determine what precautions should be taken. If the water is contaminated with sewage, do not attempt to clean it yourself. Some items can be cleaned, others should be dried and cleaned, and some are just not worth saving from an insurance standpoint.

If your home has a water loss, you will want to know how to clean up and save items that have been damaged.

When a flood or other water damage occurs in your home, you may be left wondering how to clean up the mess and salvage damaged items. Here are some tips for how to clean up after a flood:

• Remove all wet materials from the area as soon as possible. This includes rugs, carpets, clothes and more.
• Use fans or dehumidifiers in the room being cleaned out to remove any remaining moisture from walls and furniture. This will prevent mold from growing on these surfaces.
• Spray down or wipe down any hardwood floors with vinegar mixed with warm water until they are completely dry before walking on them again—this will prevent warping of wood flooring due to excess moisture in its fibers when wet (such as hardwood floors).

The level of contamination a room receives will determine what precautions should be taken.

If the water is only contaminated with dirt, you can clean it yourself. If the water was just sewage or sewage mixed with dirt, you should hire a professional like SERVPRO of Anaheim West.

If the water is contaminated with sewage, do not attempt to clean it yourself.

If you are not sure whether the water was contaminated with sewage, it is best to contact a company that specializes in water damage restoration and can make an assessment.

Some items can be cleaned, others should be dried and cleaned, and some are just not worth saving from an insurance standpoint.

You may have heard that you can save almost anything if it's been submerged in water. This isn't necessarily true, and it depends on the type of water damage.

• Some items can be cleaned, others should be dried and cleaned, and some are just not worth saving from an insurance standpoint. If your item is damaged due to exposure to floodwater or sewage, it will likely need to be thrown away. In addition, any items that were exposed to contaminated ground or other debris should also be discarded.
• Some items that haven't been damaged but have had contact with floodwater or sewage should still be thrown away as well because they've been exposed to mold spores (which could grow later). These include soft furnishings like pillows and cushions; books; shoes; clothing; curtains etc.,
• Other items such as electronics can usually still function even after being exposed to water (if the electricity hasn't gone out), but if they do get wet at all then you'll want them dried out as soon as possible so they don't short-circuit! It's important not let these types of devices sit around because mold can start growing inside them very quickly if left untouched for too long.

Many water-damaged items can be salvaged if they are cleaned quickly before they begin to mold or mildew

If your items have not been damaged by water, they can be salvaged.

When an item has been damaged by water and is not salvageable, it should be thrown away.

Some items cannot be salvaged at all and need to be disposed of immediately after a flood or leak.

When there is a water loss, it is important to clean the items properly and quickly. If you don’t, they may become contaminated with bacteria or mold and mildew which can cause health problems for you and your family. It is also important to know that some items are not worth saving as they have been damaged beyond repair and/or have reached their expiration date.