Those who have had flooding in their home know that water can do quite a bit of damage. Not only can flooding harm one’s electronics, furniture, flooring, and walls, but it can also be a health hazard. Bacteria thrive in wet areas and mold can develop within the home. This makes it important to clean up the water damage as quickly as possible.
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Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Safety First
One should never enter a structure until he is sure that it and the surrounding area are safe.
If the flooding was severe, wait until any debris has settled before approaching the area. Have the electricity off when first entering the house. Unplug all appliances and electronics and set the cords above the water to dry. When using electrical equipment to dry the home, use waterproof cords when possible and never use any cords that are frayed or damaged. If air quality is an issue, because of mold or other problems, wear a filtering mask. Ensure the area is well-ventilated by opening doors and windows.
Step 2: Remove the Water
Standing water should be removed quickly with a sump pump or similar device. This should get rid of the majority of the water on top of the flooring. Furniture and other belongings should be moved outdoors or to an unaffected area so that they may dry off. A wet vacuum can be used to pull most of the water out of the carpet and furniture upholstery.
Step 3: Finish Drying the Area
At this point, it is important to keep the area ventilated to speed up the drying process. Leaving windows open and using fans can make this process much faster. A dehumidifier is also necessary to get residual water out of the flooring, walls, and belongings. Remember to empty out the humidifier often, so that it can keep pulling moisture out of the air.
Step 4: Dealing with Mold
If mold has developed, it needs to be killed, so that it does not continue to spread. One may simply use chlorine bleach to kill the mold, but many of the products made specifically for this purpose will reduce or eliminate stains. Be thorough when dealing with this problem. Mold can cause health problems, as well as create unappealing stains. If there is too much mold to deal with, it may be necessary to hire a professional.
Step 5: Cleaning Up
One should thoroughly clean after flooding to eliminate bacteria. Throw away any items that are not salvageable as well as any garbage. Do not forget to disinfect any hard surfaces throughout the affected area. Wash water-damaged floors, ceilings, and walls with hot, soapy water.
Step 6: Finishing Up
After the house is dry, all one’s belongings can be moved back into their standard positions. Any markings left on the walls or ceiling can be painted over once they are completely dry. Professionals can often repair damaged furniture and belongings. It is always a good idea to have flood insurance as it will cover the costs associated with water damage after flooding.
Hello, i am John and have over ten years experience in water damage clean up, water damage restoration and water damage mold. During my career i noticed that a lot of homeowners are uninformed about water damage and it's consequences. This site provides you with how-to guides and lots of information on water damage and everything what's involved.