Tackle flood damage

SAN DIEGO – ServiceMaster Restore, a global leader in natural disaster response and restoration services for both residential and commercial clients, offers key mistakes homeowners make when dealing with floods. Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States and Californians are facing this head on, following the recent rains.

For those who do tackle flood damage on their own, follow the previous steps to keep you and your home safe.

Recognize the dangers of flood damage.

At first glance the water damage may seem mild; however, the consequences could be extreme. Water damage is dangerous to a home and often only professionals detect the level of damage.

Don’t wait to clean up. Water damage doesn’t just go away, in fact it actually builds up over time and can eventually lead to a home collapsing. A hidden killer also includes things like mold and bacteria growth throughout your home.

Use the right equipment. A mop and towels simply won’t do this kind of damage control. Here are some tools to invest in if you’re not planning on calling professionals.

A heavy-duty fan is a good start. You need an especially powerful, purpose-built fan that was created for drying out large rooms.

A dehumidifier will pull moisture from the environment more thoroughly than a fan. You can purchase a dehumidifier at most home improvement shops.

An air scrubber is essential for working to improve the air quality of the affected building.

An extraction tool, also known as a flood pumper, is similar to a giant, turbocharged wet vac.

A moisture probe uses a coiled cable to help you determine where moisture is located, in places where you might not see it.

Specialized wall and floor drying systems can help you save your hardwood floors in many instances, and can reduce the number of walls and ceilings you have to replace.

Don’t ignore the dangers of a flooded home, including contamination by bacteria or sewage.

There are different categories of contaminated water. Category 3 water is contaminated by bacteria, sewage, or other hazards. It can cause rashes, infections and illnesses. And even if the floodwater is clean, the flood may have busted pipes in or around your own home, so it may not stay clean for long.

Watch out for unsteady footing, broken glass and other debris.

Water damaged floors might not be as stable as you’re expecting them to be. If flood water has entered your house, there’s a decent chance that it broke something to get in there. Look out for metal fragments or broken glass that can cut your feet or legs.

Be aware of loose wires.

Always be mindful that floodwaters can carry a risk of electrical shock. From fallen power lines to damage to your own electrical system, you never know when you might be too close to a live wire.

Prevent gas leaks and explosions.

Turn off any gas or propane sources to minimize the risk of gas leaks and explosions.

Watch for displaced wildlife.

Snakes, rats and other animals may wind up seeking shelter in unusual places after a flood

For professional help or more information, check out ServiceMaster Restore at https://www.servicemasterrestore.com/ or a local remediation service.

Submitted by Service Master Restore.