If you’ve ever been the unfortunate victim of flood damage due to heavy rains, flash floods, or similar natural disasters, we understand. Dealing with the aftermath of flooding is frustrating and overwhelming. Similarly, flooding due to issues like a pipe burst or backed up sewage line can cause lots of stress and make a big mess in your home.
If disaster strikes, here are a few tips on how to deal with flood damage:
Remove any standing water. While you shouldn’t put yourself in danger or wade through waist-deep water, it’s definitely a good idea to remove excess water if feasible, whether by mopping or using a shop vacuum.
Dry out what you can. Remove carpeting and furniture. Crack the windows if the outside temperatures aren’t too cold (and humidity is low) and set up fans. Wipe down any wet surfaces like ceilings or walls.
Use best practices around flood water. Flood water has many contaminants and microorganisms that can be hazardous to one’s health. Removal and remediation are best left to the professionals, but if you want to get started on your own, make sure to wear protective gloves, eyewear, and gear.
Contact utility companies. They can guide you on proper procedures for turning off any electricity or other utilities. The local health department can also give tips on water testing before you return to using your running water if your flood situation was caused by a sewage backup or impacted your water sanitization.
Keep an eye out for mold. Water everywhere is destructive, but even afterward, you need to keep an eye out for growing mold, which is very common in the aftermath of a flood. Mold can grow on porous surfaces that are wet. Common culprits are carpet, insulation, drywall, and even blankets and clothes.
Sanitize. This is essential when dealing with water and flood damage. You must sanitize and disinfect all affected surfaces. No matter how your flooding occurred, there are bacteria and germs in flood water. You must remediate properly by removing them with best practices, commercial equipment, and quality products. And yes, this includes sanitizing everything after the water has dried up. Flood water leaves contaminants behind that can be very dangerous.
Contact insurance. Depending on the cause and extent of your flooding, it’s wise to consult your insurance company to find out what your homeowner’s insurance will cover. They might want to inspect the property to get an idea of the amount of loss.
Give flood damage restoration experts a call
AOA Cleaning & Restoration is a certified property damage expert and can help you get your home back to normal after flood damage. Whether you’re dealing with flooding from a storm or hurricane or a burst pipe, we can deploy our team quickly to assist. Call us at 201-848-8600 to learn more about our restoration services.
