When storms hit there's no telling what may happen. Even homes which have been prepared for the onslaught of a particularly bad storm can be damaged while another home nearby may pass through the storm without a scratch. There are always some things you can do if you find yourself facing damage due to a storm or other water problem but it is important to know when to call in the professionals.

Dealing with the water itself is the first step in recovering from damage. Water is classified into one of 3 categories. Category 1 is called Clean Water and covers sources such as tub overflows and hot water heaters. Category 2 is referred to as Grey Water and includes water from dishwashers, washing machines and other appliances where there is a chance that the water itself is contaminated. Category 3 is the most serious and is called simply Black Water. This category includes sources which pose a serious health threat such as sewage, water mains and any outdoor source including water which comes in as a result of heavy storms or other extreme weather systems. Quite often, the source of this water is unknown and there is really no way to know what it has picked up on its way into your home. The bacteria and pathogens which can be found in water of this category is harmful to both humans and animals and should only be addressed by a qualified professional.

Dealing with the aftermath of this kind of damage means being ready with a number to call. It's a good idea to keep the name and number of a local company handy either entered into your phone or taped up near your home phone. You can begin saving items and drying things out once you've spoken to the professionals and know they'll be on their way. Generally, these specialists are able to tackle the heavy duty work which leaves you free to begin assessing the damage on a more personal level.

Photos, leases, insurance documents and any other important papers should be checked first. Documents which have been water damaged are not necessarily lost forever. Many water damage companies offer document restoration so keep these documents to one side so that you can have someone come out and let you know if they can be saved. Next, turn your computer on once it is safe to do so and check that the hard drive hasn't been damaged. Check any external hard drives as well to ensure that any important work or personal files are safe.

Finally, spend some time with the company handling your water damage restoration work and review with them any areas you have concerns about. They will be able to walk you through the entire process and show you areas of your home which may still need attention. If this is the case, they will most likely leave dehumidifiers running and advise you about aftercare options which you can do until they return to check the progress. Don't be shy about asking questions if anything is unclear. The more you work with these professionals, the more quickly you and your family will be able to recover from water damage [http://www.waterdamage-atlanta.net].