Proper flood water extraction requires knowledge and
expertise in making sure all the proper safety procedures and preservation
techniques are used. No home owner wants to come home to a flooded house.
However, prompt attention and care from a flood water extraction company can
ensure the aftereffects and water damage from a flood are as minimal
as possible. The following steps can help minimize the damage and negative
possible effects of a flood.
What to Do After a Flood:
Turn the Power Off
The very first thing to do when realized a flood has
occurred is turn the power off. You should take this safety precaution even if
the water isn’t near any electrical outlets, since water can generate
electricity and contact with it could be lethal. No one, especially children,
should go near water after a flood.
Assess the Flood Damage
Quickly take note of damaged rooms and areas so you can
better provide us with the extent of the situation when you first call. Water
damage can quickly worsen, so get a general overall picture of the damage and
then let a professional water damage company handle the intricacies of the situation. If your
home is completely devastated, The Red Cross can provide you with basic
necessities and a clean-up kit.
Do Not Delay
Serious and extensive water damage can happen very
quickly to drywalls, carpets, homes and businesses. Studies show that flood
water left for longer than 48 hours has the potential to do the most damage.
The flood water can compromise the structure of a house as it seeps through the
walls, and can also affect the drywall. Carpeted areas are more prone than wood
floors to cause serious mold and water damage issues when left
unattended to, so don’t put off the problem. The more opportunity flood water
has to sit, the more costly and time-consuming the process will be to restore
the area back to its original condition.
Claim Your Flood Insurance
After calling handling the most immediate problem, you
should call your insurance company and file a flood insurance claim. Find out
the depth and extent of your coverage and utilize the resources from your
insurance company. Our flood clean up processes is approved by
all the major insurance companies.
Leave If Necessary
Proper and adequate ventilation is very important once we
rid your home of the water. We place fans around the affected area and also
recommend opening as many doors and windows as possible. A consistent airflow
into the areas affected by the flood assists in the flood water extraction
process and decreases the chances for mold to form.
When extensive water damage occurs, you may have
to live outside your home for a while. Experts advise patience after a flood
and not rushing back to the home to give water damage restoration
experts a chance to thoroughly handle the situation. Let the local
authorities know if you will be leaving your home for a while. Boarding up the
windows is a good idea as well.
Handle the Stress
The pressure and stress that accompanies a flood is
inevitable. However, there are certain measures you can take to dramatically
reduce the tension and feelings of not being in control of the situation. After
a flood, your emotions will be affected just like your home, business and
personal belongings will. Take the time to sleep, eat well, and be grateful for
your health. Belongings and things can all be replaced, but people cannot.
While dealing with
a flood is never enjoyable, taking advantage of the water extraction services of
an experienced company like The
Water Damage Experts can help tremendously.