The destruction caused by floods can be extensive. Water is destructive and can cause far more harm than we give it credit, yet it’s one of the most underestimated natural forces. The aftermath of floods and water damage at your house can be stressful. If you notice water that is too much to deal with and clean up following a flood might seem like an impossible task.
Where do we begin with the restoration of floods?
For the first step, taking a deep breath could help. Restoring your home from flooding will be much simpler and more manageable by following a few easy steps, but this may feel like an impossible task. Here are simple steps to take after the water damage.
Contact the Insurance Provider
In case of a disaster or property loss, the first step is to contact your insurance company. Document as many photos and videos as possible to highlight the severity of the damage to ensure that the insurance company can determine how much assistance you require. This will help you avoid dealing with the insurance provider and aid in proving how much damage has been caused.
Determine the Type of Water
It is vital to establish the “color” of your water. Gray water, clean water, and black are the three varieties. Flooding caused by water or damaged sump pumps is generally clean water. “Clean” does not imply that the water is not still slightly nasty; it is simply a sign that there aren’t any significant impurities present in the water. Gray water refers to water tainted by soap, oils, and other chemical substances that aren’t biohazardous. The water that human feces are contaminated is referred to as black water. Do not ever get your hands on black water. If you notice a sewage smell, be careful and call property restoration professionals for assistance.
Salvage All Valuables as Possible
If you spot the water has risen, you should remove anything you can safely remove from the area. Do not try to remove anything that may put your health at risk or compromise your safety, such as electronic devices or things that require you to wade through dangerous waters to reach them. But, if you’ve got damaged items due to water, like albums of photos, get them out as soon as possible. Even if they are severely damaged, do not discard them. They might be salvageable.
Take Out the Water
You could use buckets to rid yourself of the water, but you could also hire flood cleanup services, such as a water damage repair team, if the water is too much. If the water smells of sewer waste, you should not try to clean it. It might be black water with bacteria that risk your health. Using a pump or vacuum will substantially increase the speed of the removal process. The process should begin immediately. The mold may grow as quickly as 24 hours after the water damage.
Dehumidify and Dry the Space
The process will take some time, maybe just a few days. Big fans, not box fans, will be required. Large industrial fans are essential, especially those designed specifically for drying out rooms rather than forcing air through the space. A powerful dehumidifier will also be required to remove water from the air and stop condensation on your floors and walls.
Clean and Sanitize
The last step is to clean everything that comes into contact with the water. Even if your water is clean or gray and doesn’t contain pathogens, it si always good to be safe than sorry. It is necessary to use a strong disinfectant, preferably one with bleach. When you disinfect your furniture, particularly furniture made of hardwood, be cautious.
