Water Damage Cleanup:
Water damages requires immediate attention to minimize further losses. In case a water damage occurs in your home or property try to locate the problem. By doing so you can help prevent further damages. Immediately turn off the water source. Call a professional to mitigate the damages that often require water extraction, structural drying, dehumidification and air purification. A trained professional should be able to assist you in reporting a insurance if needed and will guide you through the process and will give you advices on what to do such as taking pictures of damaged contents. move Items such as furnitures, boxes, clothes, beds, etc. to a room which is unaffected is also part of the task. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold.
"Allow molds to grow on home and or a building, materials that are soaked wet for more than 24 hours, and in "48 hours of wetness, the deadly toxic mold Stachybotrys can begin growing in the damaged areas." This is a fact and documented by mold experts.
Water Damage Tips:
*Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping the area or using a wet/dry vacuum or professional water extractor.
*Wipe as much excess water from wood furniture as you can and remove tabletop lamps and other items from the furniture.
*Turn the air conditioning on for maximum drying in the summer and open the windows in the winter to release trapped for an improved indoor air quality.
*Remove any artwork and paintings from the walls if affected.
*Remove any area rugs from the floor and hang to dry outside or inside.
*Remove wet upholstery cushions from the frame and prop them up to dry immediately.
*Place plastic or aluminum foil or plastic under any furniture legs that are not plastic to prevent discoloration or bleeding.
*Punch tiny holes in a sagging ceiling to relieve trapped water. Make sure to place something underneath the holes beforehand to collect any trapped water.
*Make sure that electrical appliances are turned off while standing on wet carpets, floors or especially on wet concrete floors to prevent possible electrocution.
*Report your damage to your insurance company. This can usually be done with the help of a qualified restoration contractor trained in documenting your property loss.
*Get help from a Professional water damage restoration contractor a.s.a.p.
Tips On Flooding:
Before:
- Learn the flood warning signs and alert signals of your community.
- Collect emergency building materials if you live in a frequently flooded area: plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, nails, shovels and sandbags.
- Plan and practice an evacuation route. Establish a meeting place should your family get separated.
- Review how to shut off utilities in an emergency with all family members.
During:
- Listen to a battery operated radio or television for the latest storm information. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Move to high ground, avoid rising waters and do not walk or drive through any floodwaters.
- Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires.
After:
- Listen to the radio and do not return home until authorities indicate it is safe to do so.
- Be watchful of snakes that may have found their way into your home.
- Throw away all food that has come in contact with floodwaters.
- If your basement has flooded, pump out the water gradually. Remove about 1/3 per day to avoid structural damage.
