Flood damage has affected my home, now what?
3/22/2021 (Permalink)
Every water damage situation is different. From the amount of water that causes the damages to the level of contamination that's in the water, each scenario requires a unique solution.
Before Help Arrives:
If you're unsure of what to do while waiting for help to arrive, check out our water tips.
Immediately after the water damage event, your primary focus should be to ensure that you are safe. Electrical and slip and fall hazards are one of the most prevalent concerns. When materials become wet they can become very heavy, know your limits and capabilities.
After Flooding:
Remove excess water by mopping and blotting. It's important to get the water removed as quickly as possible to limit the amount of water that gets soaked into vulnerable materials.
Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting. This will prevent water from soaking up into furniture, which could potentially save the furniture.
Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting. by separating the materials, the chance that the colors from the rug will bleed into the carpeting are eliminated.
What Not To Do After Flooding
Don't use your household vacuum to remove water. There are specialized vacuums and water removing equipment to handle the sucking up of water, your normal home vacuum will not do.
Do not leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floods. Not only will the item that you leave on the floor be affected by the water, but there is a chance that the coloring of the material will stain the carpet.
Do not use your television or other household appliances. If the water has seeped into the walls or other various locations where wires are present, you should ensure that the area is dry before using any electronics.