The floodwaters have receded and you're finally given the "all clear" signal to return to your community. While excited to be allowed to return, you're dreading the job ahead: clean up. Who can blame you? After all, flood waters are far from pure. When the water recedes, your home will be soggy and filled with debris.

And this debris isn't just mud. When a community floods, everything comes up. The entire drainage system is swamped, mixing sewage, mud, fertilizers, and chemicals. Fortunately, you're not necessarily on your own for cleaning up the mess. Professional water damage services are available.

While recent flooding has caused significant water damage throughout the nation, water damage service isn't only for flood victims. Your home may need professional water cleanup service after a pipe break, toilet overflow, accidental sprinkler activation, or other plumbing calamity.

Choosing a water damage service involves more than picking the first one with an attractive yellow pages advertisement. Because water damage must be cleaned up quickly in order to minimize damage and prevent mold, finding a water damage service company that can respond quickly is essential. Look for 24-hour service and professionals that are on-call around the clock.

In addition to prompt service, you should also look for water damage service companies that use efficient technologies. The better-equipped companies can dry out your home or business faster which reduces the chance for mold to take hold.

Some types of water damage in the home are covered by homeowners insurance while flooding requires national flood insurance. A good water damage service will help you navigate the insurance paperwork requirements if your damage is covered by insurance.

Should you be one of many afflicted flood victims, be wary of water damage service providers who come knocking at your door. It's not unusual for scammers to arrive as soon as the waters recede. It's always best to choose an established, water damage service and avoid fly-by-night operations.

So, remember, don't create a second bad situation by hiring the wrong company-avoid the two guys in a pick up truck, or the people going door to door, look for insurance paper work, look for affiliation with a national company, ask questions about experience and contact information,

Make sure they are stable and financially capable of completing the job, do they have an office?,

Do they answer their phones?

Reviewing a companies track record may be tough at a time like this but the investigative work done now will insure you have a crew that can really help you; instead of helping themselves.