Flooding often happens so quickly that property owners have little time to prepare or plan. The trauma experienced after a flood can be devastating. Don’t try to handle the recovery of your property alone. The first thing to do after a flood is to call the professionals as soon as possible.

Most top-quality professional water damage restoration companies have service availability 24 hours a day and 7 days a week for water emergencies. Don’t wait to call. The earlier the water restoration company can begin work, the more property they will salvage.

After calling the water damage restoration professionals, call your insurance company. Make sure to tell the claims representative that you’ve already called in a professional restoration company. Ask if there are specific pieces of documentation that will be necessary for a smooth claims process. Be sure to ask the insurance company representative for a claim or case number. This information will be helpful once your water restoration company is in place.

If you know that you have individually insured pieces of furniture, artwork, or heirloom rugs damaged by the flooding, be sure to mention that to both your insurance company and the water damage restoration professional who comes to assess and evaluate your damage.

After a thorough assessment and evaluation, water damage restoration professionals will provide you with a plan detailing your damages and how they intend to restore your property. This plan will likely contain a tentative timeline for recovery, too.

Although your water damage restoration professionals will document your damages for your insurance company, it’s not a bad idea to document damages on your own, as well. With the advent of cameras on every phone, it’s essential to take photos or even videos of your damage, illuminating any specific areas of concern. Not only will this give you some level of comfort, but it also provides the insurance company with another perspective of the damage.

It may be necessary to obtain safe housing for yourself and your family until the water damage restoration process is complete. That should be your next priority. Once safe housing is secured, you are in a much more stable position.

A top-quality water damage restoration company will communicate regularly with you throughout your project. Do not hesitate to ask any questions or voice any concerns. Communication is vital, and water damage restoration companies understand your circumstances.

Remember, while this is a once-in-a-lifetime event for you, water damage restoration companies handle situations like this all the time. It’s their business. As a result, there is likely nothing you can ask that they haven’t heard before. Once your water restoration team is in place and your property’s restoration has begun, the next best thing you can do is take care of yourself and your family.

Flooding loss can be traumatic and devastating. If you or members of your family feel overwhelmed, experience nightmares, or have behavior changes, contact a mental health professional. There is nothing wrong with asking for help in coping with a loss and adjusting to a new beginning.