Do’s and Don’ts of Water Damage Restoration
When it comes to water damage cleanup, it is important that you know what to do and what not to do. The damage that can be caused by a flood often extends far beyond the destruction of your carpet and some of your furniture. It can have far-reaching health and safety effects that are important to know for your safety. PCS of Southern Connecticut located in the Shelton area is here to help you recover safely and quickly from any water damage issues. Below are five “do’s” and “don’ts” of water damage cleanup so you how to react if you find your home damaged by flooding.
Do: Be Safe!
There are several different ways that flooding could compromise the safety of your home. Not knowing what these are could potentially put you in serious danger. First, flood waters are rarely clean and usually carry harmful bacteria and microorganisms. The most common types of diseases people can contract from dirty floodwater are Cholera, Typhoid Fever, and Hepatitis A. Second, flooding can damage your home’s electrical systems. It is critical that you are positive the electricity to your home is turned off before walking inside if there is water on the ground. You will want to have your home inspected by a qualified electrician after a flood as well to ensure it is safe. Third, water can damage the structural integrity of your home. You will also want to have your home’s foundation inspected after a flood to make sure it was not damaged in
any way.
Do: Stop the Water Flow as Soon as Possible
Obviously, this must be your first priority if your home is flooded. You should locate the source of the floodwater as soon as possible and then work to stop the flow of water. The more water that floods into your home, the worse the resultant water damage will be.
Do: Have a Sump Pump on Hand
To begin the process of having your home restored after a flood, it is usually not enough to simply air it out. This is especially true in cases where there is a large amount of water in your home. A sump pump is relatively cheap and will pump the excess water out of your home significantly speeding up the drying process.
Don’t: Underestimate the Potential for Mold Growth
Once the flood water throughout your home has been seemingly dried, it is still important to look for any potential areas for mold growth. Mold flourishes in damp dark places. You should check these areas of your home for excessive dampness or mold first. If you do find mold there, however, you will want to make sure it is taken care of as soon as possible. Otherwise, it has the potential to spread throughout your home.
Don’t: Wait to Call the Pros
Last, the most important thing to remember in dealing with water damage cleanup is to trust the pros in your area to take care of the issue for you. At PCS of Southern Connecticut in Shelton, our experts are well-equipped to deal with the dangerous water damage cleanup issue. To make your home safe again and quickly have it back to normal, don’t hesitate to call!