Guides for when something goes wrong
Most people deal with water, fire or mold damage only once or twice. These guides answer the questions that come up first: what to do in the next hour, whether insurance will pay, and how to get a home back to normal after a flood.
Start here
- Water just came in? Read what to do in the first hour after water damage.
- Wondering about coverage? Read does homeowners insurance cover water damage in West Virginia.
- Cleaning up after high water? Read after a Kanawha River flood.
What each guide covers
Water damage and flooding
| Guide | Read it when |
|---|---|
| The first hour after water damage | Water has just come in from a pipe, appliance or storm |
| Sump pump failure | The basement is filling during a storm |
| Water heater leaks | Water is pooling around the water heater |
| Sewage backup cleanup | Sewage came up through a drain or toilet |
| Preventing frozen pipes | A cold snap is coming |
| Preparing for flooding in Kanawha County | You live near a river or creek and want to be ready |
| After a Kanawha River flood | You are going back into a home after river or creek flooding |
Fire and smoke
| Guide | Read it when |
|---|---|
| After a house fire: the first week | You have just had a fire and need a plan |
| Fire and smoke damage claims in West Virginia | You are starting or working through a fire claim |
Mold
| Guide | Read it when |
|---|---|
| Controlling indoor humidity | Your basement or crawl space smells damp |
| Mold and your health | You are worried about mold exposure |
Insurance and hiring
| Guide | Read it when |
|---|---|
| Water damage insurance in West Virginia | You are deciding whether to file a claim, or checking your coverage |
| Choosing a restoration company | You need to hire someone and want to know what to ask |
Each guide is written for homes in Charleston and Kanawha County, with the river flooding, hillside runoff and older housing found here in mind.
More detail by service
Each service page goes into the details of the work itself: how water damage restoration dries a house, how fire and smoke damage restoration removes soot and odor, and how mold removal contains and removes growth. The FAQ page answers the most common questions in one place.
If you need help now, the fastest route is a phone call. Your call is connected with an independent local restoration provider in Charleston and Kanawha County.
