FLOOD WATER EXTRACTION
Proper flood water extraction requires knowledge and expertise in making sure all the proper safety procedures and preservation techniques are used. No home owner wants to come home to a flooded house. However, prompt attention and care from a professional water damage and flood water extraction company can ensure the aftereffects and water damage from a flood are as minimal as possible. The following steps can help minimize the damage and negative possible effects of a flood.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A FLOOD:
Turn the Power Off
The very first thing to do when realized a flood has occurred is to call a water damage and flood water extraction company to deal with the issue. Immediately after doing that, turn the power off. You should take this safety precaution even if the water isn’t near any electrical outlets, since water can generate electricity and contact with it could be lethal. No one, especially children, should go near water after a flood since full protective gear like goggles, boots and gloves might be necessary safety measures.
Assess the Flood Damage
Though The Water Damage Experts can best assess the situation, quickly take note of damaged rooms and areas so you can better provide us with the extent of the situation when you first call. Water damage can quickly worsen, so get a general overall picture of the damage and then let a professional water damage company handle the intricacies of the situation. If your home is completely devastated, The Red Cross can provide you with basic necessities and a clean-up kit.
Do Not Delay
Serious and extensive water damage can happen very quickly to drywalls, carpets, homes and businesses. Studies show that flood water left for longer than 48 hours has the potential to do the most damage. The flood water can compromise the structure of a house as it seeps through the walls, and can also affect the drywall. Carpeted areas are more prone than wood floors to cause serious mold and water damage issues when left unattended to, so don’t put off the problem. The more opportunity flood water has to sit, the more costly and time-consuming the process will be to restore the area back to its original condition.
Claim Your Flood Insurance
After calling The Water Damage Experts and handling the most immediate problem, (i.e. restoring the water damage to your home or business), you should call your insurance company and file a flood insurance claim. Find out the depth and extent of your coverage and utilize the resources from your insurance company. The Water Damage Experts are familiar with the different flood insurance forms and can assist you. Our water damage restoration services and processes are approved by all the major insurance companies.
Determine the Cause
Take heed of what the flood water extraction company discovers to be the culprit of the flood to prevent it from happening again. A leaky pipe or overflow in the bathroom can be prevented, a flood from a storm cannot.
Leave If Necessary
Proper and adequate ventilation is very important once we rid your home of the water. We place fans around the affected area and also recommend opening as many doors and windows as possible. A consistent airflow into the areas affected by the flood assists in the flood water extraction process and decreases the chances for mold to form.
When extensive water damage occurs, you may have to live outside your home for a while. Experts advise patience after a flood and not rushing back to the home to give water damage restoration experts a chance to thoroughly handle the situation. Let the local authorities know if you will be leaving your home for a while. Boarding up the windows is a good idea as well. The Water Damage Experts can advise you when you can safely return back home.
Handle the Stress
The pressure and stress that accompanies a flood is inevitable. However, there are certain measures you can take to dramatically reduce the tension and feelings of not being in control of the situation. After a flood, your emotions will be affected just like your home, business and personal belongings will. Take the time to sleep, eat well, and be grateful for your health. Belongings and things can all be replaced, but people cannot.
While dealing with a flood is never enjoyable, taking advantage of the water extraction services of an experienced company like The Water Damage Experts can help tremendously.