Cleaning Up After A Flood: Tips & Tricks
When your property is damaged by flood water the cleanup process can be a daunting task. Storms, appliance failure, plumbing disasters, or other external flood sources can cause some serious damage to your property. Regardless of the extent of damage caused by flooding it is important to kick in a plan of action as soon as possible. The longer the water and other contaminants are in contact with your home or business the more severe the damage will be. You would be surprised at how quick water damage can lead to mold growth.
Tips for cleaning your home or business after a flood.
The first and most important step to keep in mind after a flood damage disaster is to always remember that your safety is the most important aspect. If at any point you feel unsafe, or overwhelmed, you are better off contacting a qualified professional to clean and repair any damages. There are more unseen risks that come with water damage cleanup than you may expect – especially if the water is contaminated. Water damaged ceilings and walls can weaken the structure of your property, making it unsafe to perform simple tasks. Before you do anything, make sure it is absolutely safe to enter your property.
Act Fast
Do not treat flood waters in unwanted places lightly: whether your basement has an inch of standing water or the floor is just damp, it can become the perfect breeding ground for mold. In fact: mold can start to appear after a flood damage disaster in as little as 24 hours.
Turn off power to your home or business.
Find the power source to your property and turn it off. If you aren’t sure where your power source is, contact your local power company for instruction. Next, unplug electronics and appliances to avoid the risk of electrical shock. Water and electricity do not mix. Remove furniture electronics and any portable items as soon as possible. The sooner you remove items from water the higher the chance is that you can save or restore your possessions. Once you have removed your possessions from the affected areas avoid trying to clean or repair them yourself as it may cause more damage. Most restoration companies can restore your possessions safely and effectively.
Remove standing water.
If you have standing water in your home or business you can use the old fashion bucket approach. We highly recommend you contact a professional restoration company like Challis Restoration, to remove any standing water. Removing standing water on your own can be dangerous to your health depending on the contamination levels. Take Note: Before water can be effectively removed from the property the source of the flooding needs to be addressed. You can remove the water all you want but if the source isn’t resolved that water is just going to come right back.
By following these steps, you will not only help the professionals assess and repair the damage quicker and more efficiently but increase the change of belongings being fully recovered all the while reducing stress. Remember to remain calm, think clearly, and act fast.