Would you know what to do if a water damage emergency, like a burst pipe or heavy rain intrusion, occurred at your property? Chances are you don’t have a disaster preparedness plan in place.
At Certified Restoration, we believe it’s our responsibility to educate our community on how to protect themselves and their properties. This includes informing our clients about the water damage restoration process, so they know what to expect from professional water damage experts.
We want our community to be prepared, even before we arrive on the scene. Certified Restoration is your partner when water damage strikes, and we aim to equip you with the right information to mitigate the damage.
Emergency Response Checklist
What should your disaster management plan include?
– Contact Information: Have a list of essential contacts ready.
– Natural Gas Shut-off: Know where to locate and how to turn off natural gas.
– Water Shut-off Valve: Identify your emergency water shut-off valve.
– Fire Sprinklers: Understand how to shut off fire sprinklers if needed.
– Safety Features: Be aware of your property’s safety features and their locations.
Building & Emergency Contacts
The first step in disaster preparedness is knowing who to call and how to reach them before an emergency happens. While having your insurance agent’s contact is crucial, it won’t help mitigate immediate damage. Here’s a list of contacts you should have on hand:
1. Emergency Services:
– Fire Department
– Police Department
– Health Department
– Poison Control Center
2. Contractors:
– Plumber
– Electrician
– Locksmith
3. Building Contacts (for rental housing, HOAs, or commercial properties):
– Building Owner
– Onsite Management
Need a Water Damage Expert?
Certified Restoration is a top-rated water damage restoration company in San Diego. Call us today at 619-373-0585.
Mitigate Water Damage – Stop the Flow
The best way to prevent further damage when a water disaster occurs is to stop the flow of water. It’s essential to determine whether the leak is interior or exterior. Knowing how to turn off the water at the source is critical.
Identifying the Leak Source:
– Check your water meter: If it stops moving after turning off the main valve, the leak is inside.
– For low water pressure or sounds of running water, inspect your interior pipes. If the meter continues to run, you have an exterior leak, and you’ll need to cut the water supply from the water main.
How to Shut Off Water in an Emergency
**Interior Water Leaks:**
1. Locate the internal shut-off valve (usually near the water heater or fixtures).
2. Turn it clockwise (right) to stop the water flow.
**Exterior Water Leaks:**
1. Locate the main water meter, typically found in a concrete box near the street.
2. Turn the valve clockwise (right) to stop the water supply.
**Tools You Might Need:**
– Water meter key
– Screwdriver
– Adjustable wrench
Shutting Off Fire Sprinklers
You can shut off fire sprinklers if no fire is present and only one or two sprinklers have activated. For this, you’ll need a sprinkler stopper tool or wedge.
1. Locate the activated sprinkler head.
2. Use the stopper tool to stop water flow.
3. Turn off the water supply to the building and contact your sprinkler service provider.
Natural Gas Shut-off in an Emergency
It’s essential to know how to find your natural gas shut-off valve in an emergency. Common types of gas meters include:
– Under-property gas meter
– Underground meter
– Cabinet gas meter
Turning Off Your Natural Gas:
1. Locate the gas meter.
2. Find the shut-off valve on the meter.
3. Use a wrench to turn the valve a quarter turn in either direction.
Safety Features to Know
Ensure all residents know where to locate key safety features in your building, especially if it’s a multi-residential property. Important features include:
– Fire alarms
– Fire extinguishers
– Generators
– Electrical panels
Don’t Wait – Educate Yourself Before It Happens
A disaster is not the best time to learn what to do. The best defense is to have knowledge beforehand to act quickly and mitigate further damage.
We’re Here to Help
With over 20 years of experience in water damage restoration services, Certified Restoration is ready to assist you. Call us for 24/7 emergency service at 619-373-0585.
Download our FREE disaster management plan to keep all contacts, locations, and procedures in one place—your property’s best asset in case of an emergency.
