Floods: Dos & Don’ts
As heavy rains begin to fall, water levels rise, rivers overflow their banks. People living nearby the area prepare for what looks like it could be a monumental flood. If you are among those unlucky enough to experience this event first-hand, there are several do’s and don’ts to consider before, during, and after a flood.
Following these steps can help you keep your home safe and with minimal water restoration needed.
“Do’s” During A Flood
Protect Your Home
If you anticipate flooding, be sure to protect your home by covering windows with insulation or plywood, especially those facing the direction of potential flooding. Drains should also be cleared so that any rainwater can flow freely. Remove anything from your basement that could be damaged by water before it has the chance to get wet.
Take Action
Once the water begins seeping into your home, act quickly by turning off power and disconnecting appliances. Electricity and water do not mix! Also, shut off gas valves to avoid a future hazard while there is still no power in your house. If flooding has already occurred, you will want to extract any excess water as quickly as possible, clearing out all of the rooms that have been affected.
Contact a Water Damage Company
After removing excess water and taking a moment to assess your situation, you will need the assistance of a professional disaster restoration company. They will begin by extracting any remaining standing water before providing antimicrobial treatments and dehumidifiers to prevent mold. Next, they will set up air movers and other drying equipment to reduce the humidity levels in your home over time until you are ready for renovations to begin.
“Don’ts” During A Flood
Never Step Foot in Water
If at all possible, wait for water removal teams to arrive before entering affected areas of your home. However, if you need to save valuable items such as family photographs or heirlooms, be extremely careful and wear protective equipment such as water shoes and rubber gloves. If the water is too high to wade through on your own, do not try to lift it by hand; call a professional water restoration company immediately for assistance.
Do Not Tear Out Drywall
Water damage companies will need to access all areas of your home, including drywall and baseboards. Remove wet materials only when the water dry out process has nearly been completed to prevent secondary water problems. If you attempt to tear out damaged wallboard before it is safe, mold could develop in the insulation, leading to serious health problems later on.
Wait to Repair Drywall
Water damage companies may not be able to reinstall drywall immediately if they are still drying out your home. Wait until their technicians give the okay before making any structure repairs yourself; otherwise, you could cause significant secondary water damage in addition to ruining materials that have already been dried out.
Find A Disaster Restoration Company You Can Trust
As you could read through this blog post, dealing with a flood is not an easy task, and it’s best to follow basic survival tips and leave all the hard work to restoration companies, like RESTORx of Washington.
At RESTORx of Washington, we are available 24/7 to serve during emergencies. We offer water dry out and all the necessary procedures to make sure your home is safe for you and your family. You don’t suffer any more losses.
Contact us today to learn more about our water restoration services.
