Water, just like fire, is necessary for everyday life, but if either of these get out of control the results can be disastrous. Water damage can cause serious pain to homeowners, from property damage to health and safety issues, so it is important to know the right way to prevent and and repair water damage in your home.
The following are good steps to take to get rid of water damage:
1. Stop the water from the source
In a flood situation, the first thing you want to do is to find the source of the water and stop it. It might not be easily identified, so it is a great idea to call a professional water damage restoration contractor to handle it for you.
2. Cut off all electric power to the house
Electrocution is one of the biggest dangers to navigating flooded rooms. As such before stepping into the water it is important to go to the main power source to your house, and cut off the power completely. This will get rid of the electricity in the water. Make sure that you are properly insulated before touching anything.
3. Document the damage with pictures
In cases where insurance is available, make sure to document the damage from the flooding to show to the insurance company, so the costs of recovery can be covered.
4. Save what is most important to you
After a flood, it might not be possible to save everything, so it is best to grab all your valuables and save them before more damage comes to them. Make sure to get everything out first, before spending any time trying to dry one item, as while you spend time nursing one objects, others still sit in the water getting more damaged.
5. Dry out the still water
The longer the water sits, the more damage it will cause to your home and your property which remains in it. This water will also most likely be contaminated, so keep children and pets away, and don proper protective gear, then you can get rid of the water in your rooms as soon as you can, to reduce the levels of damage.
6. Clean out the dirt left behind by the water
After the water is gone, expect to find a lot of debris left behind, from the flood. There might be a lot of mud rife with toxins, and even sharp pieces of wood, or glass, and nails. Carefully clean out the debris and then spray down the walls and floors with clean water to rinse it out. Make sure to do thorough cleaning because if you fail to do so, your home will become inviting to unwanted germs.
7. Air dry all your affected appliances
Make sure to dry out all appliances before any attempt to use them, otherwise they will be ruined. Air drying is best for appliances as heat drying can expand the inner wiring.
8. Look out for any appearances of mold
Mold is a fungus that grows in damp places. It can be quite trick to handle as it is able to grow in unreachable places and still fill up your home with stink. It is also hard to remove as disturbing mold will make it release spores which can be hazardous. Hire professionals to deal with the mold problem if you detect a musty smell in your home.
9. Make sure to be rid of all moisture
After getting rid of still water, there might still be remnant moisture in the rooms, so take steps to dry them by throwing away things like carpets which will retain too much moisture, setting up fans, if mold is not already present as setting a fan on a moldy area will only cause the mold to release spores and spread. Also open all windows and try to get as much sunlight in as possible for natural drying if it’s low humidity outside.
10. Clean out your hard surfaces.
Objects made of things like metal, plastic, and glass must be washed with a mix of hot water and ammonia soap after being in a flood situation. Concrete should be brushed and all surfaces should be disinfected with some bleach to ensure the removal of harmful toxins.
11. Take care of porous materials
Items like couches, books and clothes should be washed out and disinfected, preferably with a pine oil solution, then they should be dried completely. After the cleaning and drying process, monitor these items for a while to make sure they do not grow mold, or start to smell. If they do, then they should be thrown out. If you are not sure about keeping them and going through the process of making sure they are safe for use, then it is best to throw them out.
12. Cease all attempts to clean if your body begins to react negatively
When you attempt to clean up after a flood, your body might react negatively, and this is a sign to stop immediately and leave the work to professionals. If your eyes start to suddenly water, or you get skin reactions, or the sniffles, it’s time to cease action.
In conclusion
Getting your home back in order after a water incident can be a handful to attempt on your own, plus there are many hazards that you will have to dodge, to make sure you get the best work done, and keep yourself safe, it is best to hire a Water Damage Restoration Company to handle your flood problem like Dry Effect.
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