When water damage occurs, it can be an overwhelming and stressful experience, often involving an active flood or leak in your home. However, knowing the right steps to take can minimize the damage and keep you and your family safe. Follow these simple steps during a water damage emergency:

Step 1: Locate The Source & Turn Off Your Water

If your property is actively flooding, it's important to turn off your main water line to prevent further flooding. Make sure you know where your main water valve is located and can safely access it.

Step 2: Turn Off Your Power

Water and electricity don't mix. If there is any standing water or potential for water to come into contact with electrical outlets or wires, turn off your electricity to avoid the risk of electrical shock.

Step 3: Call A Reputable Water Damage Company

Contact a trusted water damage restoration company like Rapid Restoration of Portland. Our certified technicians will respond quickly, identify the source of the damage, remove standing water, and begin the drying process to prevent further damage or mold growth. We also handle all the necessary insurance documentation to help with your claim.

Step 4: Remove Any Valuables (If Possible)

If it's safe, move any valuables or items that could be easily damaged by water. However, if the situation involves sewage or electricity, do not attempt to move items without professional assistance.

Understanding whether your homeowner's insurance covers water damage is crucial. In most cases, homeowner's insurance will cover water damage if it's sudden and accidental. Common situations where water damage is typically covered include :

• Sudden & Accidental:  Damage from burst pipes, malfunctioning appliances, or other unexpected issues.
• Storm Damage:  Wind, hail, lightning, or frozen plumbing resulting from natural disasters.
• Vandalism: Intentional flooding or damage caused by vandalism.
• Fire Extinguishing: Water damage caused by firefighters during an emergency.

However, there are also instances where water damage is not covered by your homeowner's insurance policy:

• Property Neglect or Poor Maintenance: If damage is caused by a lack of maintenance (e.g., ignoring leaks), it may not be covered.
• Floods: Natural floods from rivers, storms, or hurricanes are not typically covered unless you have separate flood insurance.
• Sewer Backups: Damage from sewer or drain backups may not be covered unless you have additional coverage.
• Ground Seepage: Water seeping in from the ground usually isn't covered.

At Rapid Restoration of Portland, we follow a thorough and efficient water damage cleanup process to restore your property. Our team of IICRC-certified technicians handles every step of the restoration process with the utmost care and precision. Here's a quick overview of our water damage remediation steps:

1. Assessment and Inspection:  We arrive quickly to assess the water damage, identify its source, and determine the necessary actions.
2. Water Extraction:  Using specialized equipment, we remove all standing water to prevent further damage.
3. Drying and Dehumidification: High-powered fans and dehumidifiers are used to thoroughly dry the affected area, preventing mold and mildew growth.
4. Cleaning and Sanitizing: Surfaces are cleaned and sanitized to ensure a safe and hygienic environment.
5. Repairs and Restoration: Our skilled technicians repair any structural damage, restoring your property to its original condition.
6. Final Inspection: We perform a final inspection to ensure the area is safe and completely restored.
7. Documentation and Communication: We provide all necessary documentation for insurance claims and communicate with your insurance provider throughout the process.

Water damage can be classified into three categories, each carrying different risks and requiring different restoration processes. The IICRC, a global authority on water damage restoration, defines these categories :

• Category 1: Clean Water Damage:  Water from clean sources, like broken water lines or rainwater. This type poses minimal risk to health but can escalate to Category 2 or 3 if left untreated.
• Category 2: Grey Water:  Water with moderate contamination, including water from washing machines or dishwashers. Exposure to this type of water can cause illness.
• Category 3: Black Water: Highly contaminated water, often from sewage backups or floodwaters. Black water contains harmful pathogens and can pose serious health risks.

Rapid Restoration of Portland offers a full suite of water damage restoration services. Whether you're dealing with a small leak or major flooding, our experts are equipped to handle any water damage scenario. Our services include:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Water Extraction
• Water Mitigation
• Sewage Cleanup
• Thermal Inspection
• Structural Drying & Dehumidification
• Flood Damage Cleanup
• 24/7 Emergency Water Damage Restoration