Fact: Homeowners who move valuables before cleanup crews arrive save up to 60% of items that would otherwise be lost.
When floodwater breaks in—whether from a water pipe break, a main water line break, or heavy rain causing flood damage—you must act fast to protect irreplaceable belongings. Anderson Group International recommends these clear steps to secure family heirlooms, electronics, and important documents before the flood damage cleanup team begins water extraction & removal.
1. Identify Items at Risk
Walk each room and note items on lower shelves, floors, and in closets. Anything near the path of water—carpeted areas, under sinks, or near appliances prone to appliance leak cleanup needs—belongs on your list. Photographs, hard-cover books, wooden sculptures, and electronics top the priority because they suffer rapid floor water damage and chemical damage from cleaners used in water damage restoration.
2. Move to Higher Ground
Lift valuables at least two feet off the floor. For photos and wall art, relocate to top shelves or hang temporarily on protected walls. Place electronics on countertops, desks, or sturdy tables. Use plastic storage bins—not cardboard—to shield items during storm and wind damage cleanup or a messy toilet overflow cleanup event. Seal bins to keep dust and disinfectants from drifting inside.
3. Wrap and Waterproof
Delicate items—paperwork, photographs, and textiles—belong in zip-lock bags. For electronics, wipe external moisture, place silica packets inside, and store in airtight containers. These precautions guard against humidity spikes when crews run dehumidifiers after pipe leak cleanup service, avoiding corrosion or warping.
4. Document Condition and Location
Photograph each item in its original spot, then again once moved. Note serial numbers on electronics and record any existing scratches or marks. This documentation streamlines insurance claims for fire damage cleanup, smoke damage cleanup, or accidental damage during burst pipe damage cleanup work.
5. Coordinate with Cleanup Crews
Before technicians start flood damage cleanup, walk them through your home’s protected zones. Point out bins and boxes containing valuables, and ask them to avoid using heavy equipment—like truck-mounted pumps—near these areas. A quick briefing prevents accidental knocks or overspray of disinfectants.
6. Store Off-Site When Possible
If flooding is severe or cleanup will be prolonged, consider a climate-controlled storage unit for high-value items. This fully eliminates onsite risk and ensures no moisture or chemicals reach your belongings during extensive storm damage restoration efforts.
7. Verify Drying and Return Safely
After walls and floors are certified dry—confirmed by moisture meters—bring valuables back. Wipe down boxes and exterior surfaces to remove any trace dust or cleaner residue. Let containers air out for a few hours before opening to avoid sudden chemical exposure.
8. Prevent Future Risks
Once everything’s back in place, seal cracks in foundation and install drip trays under appliances to guard against future plumbing overflow cleanup events. Maintain gutters and downspouts to reduce roof-driven leaks and avoid repeat storm and wind damage cleanup calls.
By prioritizing at-risk items, moving them to elevated, sealed storage, and coordinating with Anderson Group International’s cleanup crews, you safeguard family treasures through any water-related crisis. These straightforward actions ensure your valuables emerge unscathed when the floodwaters recede.
