Water damage questions answered

Stop the source if it is safe to do so, keep away from electrical hazards, move valuables to a dry place and photograph the damage. Our first-hour checklist has the full list.

It depends. Do not stay if there is standing water near electrical equipment, a sagging ceiling, a gas smell or sewage. When in doubt, leave and get advice.

The U.S. EPA advises drying water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to help prevent mold growth.

It varies with the amount of water, the materials and the conditions. Providers use moisture readings to confirm materials are dry. There is no standard number of days.

They are categories of water by contamination. Clean water comes from a sanitary source, gray water has some contamination, and black water, such as sewage or floodwater, is grossly contaminated. Category affects what can be cleaned and what is discarded.

It is not recommended. Sewage can carry disease-causing organisms. Keep people and pets away and use a professional trained for contaminated water.

It can if materials stay damp. The EPA advises drying quickly. If mold is already visible or you smell it, read our mold prevention guide and consider a licensed professional.

Yes. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation licenses individual mold assessors and mold remediators.

It depends on the cause and your policy. FEMA states that most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Read your policy and ask your insurer.

Florida Statutes 627.70132 bars an initial or reopened claim unless notice is given within 1 year after the date of loss, and a supplemental claim within 18 months. Your policy may set its own requirements, so report as soon as you can.

Where the water came from matters. Water from a plumbing failure is treated differently from water that rises from outside. Explain exactly how the water entered.

Use the DBPR license search at myfloridalicense.com. Ask which licenses apply to the work you are hiring them to do.

Describe the problem and where the property is. A water damage restoration professional serving your area inspects the damage and explains the work and price before anything starts.

It depends on the area and how busy it is, especially after storms. Ask for an arrival time when you call.

Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Naples and Punta Gorda in Florida. Each city page lists the ZIP codes covered.