Heavy rains can be extremely dangerous causing flood damage because the water is coming so fast it has nowhere else to go. In our part of the country, we are more likely to see these severe storms than another deep freeze as winter continues so what do you do if you have a flood?
When it comes to flood cleanup, there are some things you can and should do immediately and others you'll need help doing. To ease your stress and guide you through what to do after a flood, the professionals at ServiceMaster Restore put together a list of five critical flood cleanup tips.
1. CHECK FOR SAFETY HAZARDS.
If you have flood insurance, call your insurance agency first to report your flooded home. Then, start to assess the damage. Here are a few questions to ensure your safety: Is your home structurally secure? Call the authorities for a safety inspection. Water damage can threaten the stability of your home. If the flood water level is significant or you are concerned the structure might collapse, do not enter your home. Is your power still on? Standing water mixed with electricity puts you at risk for electrical shock so don't proceed without taking precautions. If you have safe exterior access to your breaker box, turn off the power entering the home. If not, contact your local power company before going inside. If you're unsure whether your power is still on, do not enter your house. Is there a gas leak? If you smell any gas or suspect a leak, do not enter your home, and alert your utility company immediately. Is the flood water contaminated? Sewage and harmful chemicals often contaminate flood waters, which can put your health at risk. If you suspect contaminated flood water, seek help from ServiceMaster to assess the damage, start the cleanup and protect your health and belongings.
2. REMOVE ITEMS WITHIN YOUR REACH.
When you are allowed to return to your home, remove as many items as possible to prevent further damage. Even things not in immediate contact with water can be damaged after a flood. The faster you remove items, the more likely they can be repaired or restored. Take particular care removing electronics. They can shock you if powered up or plugged in, yet they are often the items you want to save most. NEVER attempt to remove submerged electronics unless they are unplugged and powered off. Dry any recovered items completely to prevent mold growth and water damage, then store them in a secure, dry area.
3. EXTRACT WATER AND PREVENT MOLD.
To fully extract, dry and sanitize a home, we recommend calling flood damage restoration specialists like ServiceMaster of Gwinnett. If you do try to remove the water yourself, use a wet vacuum or submersible pump to remove as much water as possible. To prevent mold growth, keeping the humidity level as low as possible is critical. Open as many windows as possible and run fans and dehumidifiers to increase the ventilation around your house to help the drying process.
4. CLEAN, SANITIZE AND RESTORE
Once water-damaged areas have dried out, including wood beams, carpets, and drywall, you must clean and sanitize the surfaces to avoid toxic mold growth, infection, and disease. All carpeting and upholstery must be thoroughly cleaned and dried, including carpet padding and upholstery cushions. Carefully wash and sanitize anything touched by flood waters. You'll need different techniques and approaches to cleaning different surfaces and materials including personal belongings. Some items may be beyond saving and should be replaced. Items you want to save must be sanitized before being returned to the home after the restoration is completed.
5. KEEP A RUNNING INVENTORY.
Keep a careful record of all damages, including pictures, videos, and any estimates and receipts for restoration or repairs. You'll need these items for any insurance claims. One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is to dispose of items that they consider beyond saving BEFORE those items are documented for the insurance company. Once you dispose of it without any documentation of the damage, you may not be able to be compensated under your claim so you have funds to replace it. Get a notebook to keep receipts, documents, contact information of everyone involved in your restoration, and to document conversations so you know who said what and when they said it.
ServiceMaster of Gwinnett is by your side with our genuine commitment to getting you safely and effectively from crisis to resolution after a flood. If your home is flooded and you need proven guidance and expertise, call the professional water damage repair experts at ServiceMaster of Gwinnett as soon as possible to handle the initial assessment, water extraction, and drying. We provide thorough communication every step of the way and have the tools necessary to ensure proper flood cleanup. It's never easy to clean up after a flood, but it's easier with help from our experienced professionals.
