Cleanup After Flood Damage

 

Flood restoration is essentially the process of making the land safe again for future living, removing the water, and disinfecting the entire property. There are many steps that you can take immediately in the aftermath of flooding to minimize the hazards:

Prior to flood water damage, if you’re fortunate enough to be able to move any valuable belongings and furniture from the floor, do so. If not, take all items off the floor, hang them up in a room or on a dry surface, and begin drying. After the immediate danger of flood restoration has passed, you’ll need to focus on mold removal. Mold has a tendency to grow after the water has seeped into a property’s interior. By removing as much moisture as possible, you limit the growth of mold and ensure that it doesn’t spread.

Once the flood water damage has been contained, contact an air mover or professional flood company. Air movers are specially trained to remove water and preserving the materials it touches. Depending on the severity of the flooding, the air movers may use heat or pressurized air to get rid of the water. A solitaire might need to be removed from the building temporarily as the movers prepare the flooded area. The solitaire is most likely to need temporary shelter once it’s relocated, so it’s important to protect it while the movers are doing their job. Movers will often provide protection for the solitaire with a blanket and other supplies, but it’s always a good idea to designate an individual to take care of the solitaire during the flood restoration process.

Once the flood waters have receded and the dry land has been restored to normal activity, it’s time to begin the process of flood damage restoration. Dewatering the area is an essential step, but it won’t stop all damage. Water extraction from damaged structures is crucial, but the extent of the damage and the amount of time until drying will affect the type of system used to remove the water. In many cases, it’s best to have the entire structure raised off the ground during the flood. This allows it to be protected from further water damage and potential mold problems. Once the structure has been elevated, drywall insulation can be applied to keep moisture from entering the room.

Once the interior drywall is in place, you can begin to repair any physical damage caused by the flood. If the damage is extensive, it’s advisable to consult a professional flood damage restoration service. These companies usually specialize in repairing flood-damaged buildings. Some damage may require completely replacing portions of the building. In order to prevent future problems, these companies also recommend that appropriate water shut-off valves be installed in all areas of the building.

After the initial clean-up efforts are complete, the floodwaters should be dried through sewage cleanup. If sewage cleanup cannot be completed on your own, a water restoration company should be consulted. Water damage can often be a serious threat to health and the environment if it is not properly handled. It is important to contact a water restoration company as soon as possible following a sewage backup.

When the source of the sewage backup is determined, a flood damage repair technician will next assess the severity of the flooding. If the flood originated from a septic tank, a full sewage clean-up of any affected structures should be done before beginning the flood damage restoration process. If the flood originated from another source, additional clean-up actions should be taken. These include: cleaning out the drainage system to eliminate the contaminated areas and prevent future buildup of contaminants. Sealing all cracks and tiny spaces around the affected building is also an effective method for preventing water migration into other areas of the building.

If the full-scale restoration process has been successfully completed, then the area should be covered with thick plastic sheeting to prevent the spread of mold and mildew. Mold and mildew can create health problems in susceptible people. For this reason, it is especially important that no one is able to get into the affected areas after the cleanup process has been completed. Floodwaters left unchecked can also carry dangerous chemicals and parasites that can be harmful or fatal to humans if exposed. All individuals involved in flood water damage cleanup should wear rubber gloves and masks at all times. These may seem like relatively small things, but if personal health and the environment are at stake, these safety precautions are crucial.

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