Flash floods have become a common threat for people in America. Not just flash floods, the country has witnessed numerous coastal floods and river floods in the last few decades. It has created damages worth billions of dollars and killed hundreds of people.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, flooding is most common in the US and one of the costliest weather disasters in the country. The risk and frequency of floods differ according to the geographical location.
For homeowners, flooding can cause serious distress as the damage caused can be far-reaching. Indoor flooding is one of the major concerns of homeowners in the US. As per the Federal Emergency Management Agency, 90 percent of all disaster-related property every year results from flooding.
There is no way we can prevent the occurrence of floods. It is a natural disaster and all we can do is take the necessary steps to lessen the severity of damages caused by the floods. If you are in a flood-prone area, it is important to adequately prepare to face it and react proactively to the situation.
With effective flood restoration services, you can ensure the safety of your home and the inmates. In this blog, we aim to enrich your knowledge about flood damage and how you can effectively save your home from its disastrous effects.
How Flash Floods Damage Affects Your Home?
Water damage from floods is one of the costly hazards that may happen to your home. And the sad part is that a regular homeowner’s insurance policy will not include damage caused by floods. The sooner you initiate flood water removal activities, the lesser the severity of flood damage.
As you know, water is one of the powerful forces in nature and there are many ways in which a flood can affect your home or office. Here we have listed out a few common ways.
1. Safety Risks:
If the water is not removed immediately, it may lead to structural damage, electrical damage, sanitary hazards, defunct sewage systems, and so much more.
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2. Cracks in the Foundation:
When water retains, it will lead to serious damage to the foundation. As most of the homes have concrete slabs in the foundation and clay as soil, the chance of cracks or breaks stands higher.
Moreover, moving water may erode the soil from below the slab. If the house is not secured properly, it may float off its foundation. Before you enter the home, you should hire a damage assessment specialist.
3. Jamming of Doors/Windows:
When the foundation shifts, you will find it difficult to open the doors and windows. This is due to the distortion of the frames. Also, debris and other materials that float during the flood can break the glass.
4. The Weakening of Drywall:
Another major damage caused by floods is that it weakens the drywall and makes it soft and crumbly. This becomes the breeding ground for molds hence testing by mold removal specialist is recommended.
5. Damage to Properties:
The floodwater includes chemical toxins, sewage waste, mud, debris, and various other impurities. If water removal is not carried out properly, it will cause damage to the upholstery furniture, carpets, rugs, mattresses, vinyl flooring, etc. Also, the floods will cause damage to the electrical appliance unless you unplug it and transfer it to a safe location.
6. Mold Growth:
Moisture is one of the prime reasons for mold growth. That is why it is important to hire the service of professionals for mold testing and inspection post floods.
A Guide to Flood Water Removal
The repercussions of water damage for your home can be disastrous; it decreases the resale value of the property, causes internal damage leading to structural collapse, increases the insurance rates, and creates serious health and safety risks for the inmates of the house.
Hence it is important to start water damage restoration activities as soon as possible after the floods. Here we list out 12 tips that every homeowner should know about flood-related damage to your home.
1. Act Quickly:
The success level of your water restoration activities depends on how fast you react to the flood damage. Time is the most crucial element in flood damage restoration. There are water removal companies that provide services round the clock. You can hire them in order to initiate the restoration quickly.
2. Don’t Take it Lightly:
Even if your home is not badly affected by the flood, it may still have moisture. As per mold removal specialists, mold growth starts within the first 24-48 hours post floods. The molds will proliferate quickly and destroy furniture, wallpaper, carpet, etc. Make sure you arrange for mold testing and inspection by professionals soon after the flood.
3. Power Disconnection:
Before you enter the flood-affected home, make sure you switch off the electrical connection. Disconnect all digital devices and electrical appliances and shift them to the dry areas.
4. Remove the Furniture:
Until the water recedes and humidity level is reinstated, it is better to keep the furniture away from the flooded rooms. Not just furniture, remove every possible item from the flooded room even if they have not been spoiled by water.
5. Eliminate Water:
Getting space free of water is the first important step. You can use household things such as old towels, buckets, etc. to drain the water out. Remove the carpets or mats and leave it outside where there is sunlight.
When you react fast, you may be able to save the furniture and carpet from sending it to the garbage.
6. Dry Thoroughly:
After eliminating water, you can use fans and dehumidifiers to dry the area. Check out these methods to dry water damage.
7. Use Cleaning Agents:
Once the water is removed and the area is dried, use a strong cleaning agent and disinfectant to remove the bacteria. The floodwater may contain various bacteria that will contaminate the air inside the house.
8. Check for Leaks:
If the ceiling is damaged, it can fall off and become a serious threat to safety. Check for leaks or breaks in the ceiling and roofs and make sure you hire professionals to repair it.
9. Eliminate:
It is better to eliminate things that are seriously damaged in the flood. If you are worried about water contamination or if you doubt the presence of sewage water, eliminate everything that has been in the water. Remove damp wood as it is a common breeding ground for molds.
10. Repair the Drywall:
If the drywall is seriously damaged, replace it without any second thoughts. If not, you can cut out and repair the water-stained area.
11. Review:
The entire home can be impacted by water damage including the air quality. Therefore you have to review everything in the flooded house to ensure the condition is safe.
It is always better to hire the service of a flood damage restoration company to do the job professionally. You can be ensured of the safety of people and property when it is done by professionals.
12. Check Insurance:
If the damage is severe, you can check with the insurance provider for financial assistance. Certain damages come under flood insurance claims. However, you need to act fast if your home is affected by floods.
Must-Know Safety Tips When You Enter The Flood-Affected Home
Cleaning a flood-affected home can be nightmarish if you are facing it for the first time. Be it a massive flood that has affected the whole locality or water seeping into the basement, you should take the necessary safety precautions before you enter the flooded home.
The following tips will help you to keep yourself safe when your home is flooded.
1. Safety First:
Entering a flooded home can be still dangerous after the flood stops. You need to wait until the authorities give you assurance about safety. You should not go back until it is safe.
2. Alert your Family/Friend:
Let someone know that you’re entering a flooded home. Have an emergency number ready when you go back to the flooded zone.
3. Be Conscious About Creatures:
It is a usual sight to find poisonous snakes and other creatures inside the home post floods. Be highly conscious about the wildlife that may hide behind the doors and windows.
4. Electrical Damage:
Check for damaged electrical wires as water conducts electricity and you may get an electric shock. You can follow these tips to ensure your safety if the power goes out during the flood.
5. Chemical Substances:
Make sure there is no leakage in the gas pipes. Also, check for the other chemical substances that may have leaked inside the home.
6. Wear Protective Clothing:
The floodwater could be contaminated with various components that may put your health at risk. Wear protective clothing such as gloves, face masks, long sleeves, boots or heavy footwear, etc. while you enter the home and do the clean-up process.
7. Clean Air Ducts:
Before switching on the HVAC system, make sure air duct cleaning is done properly.
8. Don’t Use Contaminated Food:
Throw away all food items that you have left inside the home. Do not use the canned foods inside the flooded zone.
9. Click Pictures:
Take numerous pictures of the flood-affected home which is crucial when you claim for insurance. Get in touch with your flood insurance company and share the documents as needed.
10. Mold Remediation:
If any item in your home has been affected by water for more than 24 hours, it may become the breeding ground for molds. Therefore, it is important to hire a professional for mold inspection and testing and carry out the required mold remediation.
Why Hire Professionals for Water Damage Restoration?
Many homeowners doubt whether they need to hire the service of a water damage restoration company and start cleaning it up themselves after floods. You can save money by considering water damage restoration as a DIY project. But you need to take safety precautions while you do the job.
However, when facing water damage, there are various benefits of hiring a professional flood damage restoration company.
Majorly, companies that provide flood restoration services will have experience in repairing extensive water damage.
They will have the required technical skills to handle the situation efficiently. They possess high-powered tools and machinery that will improve the efficiency of water damage restoration.
For instance, the companies use air movers that are powerful in drying the surfaces and wet walls quickly. And they use humidifiers to remove moisture from the air.
A professional flood damage restoration company will be trained thoroughly to eliminate the contaminated water in a safe manner.
If not cleaned properly, the flood water may lead to various diseases and infections. You can get the property cleaned efficiently using air scrubbers and strong cleaning agents by hiring professional companies.
When you hire a damage restoration company, they will reach the spot at the earliest and start the work immediately. It will help to save many of the items which may otherwise get spoiled in the water. They can address the damage as soon as possible and reduce the risk of loss.
Finally, a professional company is experienced to handle the insurance terms and conditions. They will assist you in getting your flood insurance cleared.
Consult Flood Remediation Experts
Given the various benefits, it is always wise to get in touch with flood remediation experts. They have experience and expertise in dealing with water damage during a flood, hence, you can relax while they do the cleaning task for you efficiently.
If you are in Cincinnati and need a reliable flood damage restoration company, the Dry Effect makes your right choice. Being one of the top-rated companies in restoration works, we can help you in flood cleanup and restoration of your home.
We offer top-rated service at competitive rates during events like floods, bursting of pipes, mold damage, etc. We ensure your home is safe and sanitized for living after the floods and take the necessary mold remediation activities to prevent its growth.
Get in touch with us to know more!
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