Restoration Certified Specialists' Blog

In the aftermath of water or flood damage to your home, knowing when it’s safe to return to inspect the damage and gather what you can salvage from the mess is crucial for your health and safety.

As a first step to getting life back to normal, you’ll need to return to your home as soon as safely possible to evaluate the damage and begin the water damage restoration process.

Here’s when to know it’s safe to return home for inspection and when to move back in after water damage has impacted your home.

Perform a Well-Lit Inspection

Knowing that a flood or major water damage affects structural components, electrical and HVAC systems in addition to damaging personal belongings, it’s best to return to assess damage during daylight hours once hopefully, the water has receded.

The sunlight will give you a better view of how much damage you’re looking at and you’ll be better able to avoid walking into any danger zones because you can’t see them in darkness.

If there’s standing water, call a water damage restoration company to pump the water out of the area quickly and safely.

Electrical Damage

As you probably already know, water and electricity do not mix.

If you can safely get to the main breaker, turn off the power.

However, if there’s standing water or wet areas between you and the main circuit box, don’t risk attempting to turn off the power. Never walk through or stand in water to try to cut the power in your home.

Call a qualified electrician and explain the situation. Turn the electrical system over to the professionals who are trained to deal with live power after water damage or a flood.

Until your home has been inspected by an electrician who will assess any damage done to your home’s electrical system, the risk for electric shock is high and should be avoided.

Gas Leaks

Another serious threat to your safety is the potential for gas leaks.

If you smell the “rotten egg” odor of gas, exit the home and contact the electric company immediately to report the smell of gas in your flooded or water damaged home.

Avoid starting a sump pump or other piece of equipment that could cause a spark or ignite a flame.

Contact Water Damage Restoration Professionals

While you may need to inspect water or flood damage to your home, the aftermath and safe cleanup is better left to water damage restoration professionals.

The professionals can walk you through the process of restoring and repairing damage to your home.

In the meantime, let them safely dry, clean and sanitize affected things in your home before you return to stay.

Knowing that a professional restoration company has inspected and addressed damage including structural integrity, electrical and HVAC systems and water supply if applicable gives you the peace of mind that you’re returning to a safe and healthy environment.