Flood waters in your home can do more than damage your furnishings. It can create an environment in which mold and mildew can freely grow. Both can have an impact on your health. To protect you and your family, here are some missteps to avoid while taking care of the flood damage.
Failing to Properly Assess the Situation
Flood water in your home presents a special kind of danger. The water could lead to a risk of electrocution. It can also weaken the flooring and walls in your home and cause structural damage that could make it unsafe for you and your family to enter. The water can even contain contaminants that could lead to health problems.
Before you and your family enter the home, take the time to assess the situation. Ideally, you should turn off the electricity to your home to avoid electrocution. You should also check the condition of your walls and flooring. If you are unsure if it is safe to enter, call in a professional to inspect your home.
Waiting to Remove Standing Water
Once you are sure that your home is safe to enter, you need to remove any standing water from the home as soon as possible. The longer the water remains, the more likely it is that damage will occur. Waiting for the water to naturally dry out is not an option because it can take days. During that time, mold and mildew can occur.
The water can be removed using a variety of methods, including using a wet-dry vacuum cleaner. You can also use push brooms to remove the water. During the removal of the water, you also need to remove any items that cannot be dried out in a couple of days. Holding onto them could continue the risk for mold.
Ignoring the Hidden Dangers
Water can seep into areas that are not easily seen. For instance, water can hide behind your walls and eventually cause problems with your plumbing, electrical wiring, and the structural integrity of your home.
During your cleanup, you need to remember to look beyond the visible parts of your home. Areas such as beneath the flooring and behind the walls need to be examined. You might have to remove part of the wall to get a clear picture of what is going on behind it.
Other missteps could leave you and your family at risk. To prevent this, call in a flood restoration service to help repair the damage from the water.