So, you're handy around the house. But what if the house is flooded? The impulse to take immediate first-person action when faced with distressing water damage to your property and possessions is understandable. However, the fact is, a structure that has been inundated with water requires specific expertise and specialized equipment well beyond the scope of any household chore you've tackled before. The determined DIY approach has its place in many home projects, but a flooded house is not that place. Here are three reasons why:
You're At Risk
Any structure inundated with water is a danger zone. Hazards faced by water damage remediation professionals include:
- Electrical danger. Until a qualified electrician has completely disconnected a flooded house from the power grid—including removing the electrical meter if necessary—the risk of electrocution is present.
- Toxic water and air. Floodwater picks up dangerous substances as it spreads including raw sewage, chemicals and biological hazards. Inside a flooded house, water is hazardous on contact and the air may be toxic to breathe. Water damage professionals typically wear OSHA-approved full-body protective garb including face masks or respirators, as well as eye protection in the initial stages of the job.
- Structural hazards. Saturated building materials such as drywall become dangerously heavy and unstable. Structural components may collapse at any time without warning.
- Vermin infestation. Snakes, rodents and stinging insects may occupy a flooded house and pose dangers.
You're Not Equipped
Water damage remediation teams utilize professional equipment designed for the job, not all-purpose stuff from a local rental outlet. This includes high-volume air movers, powerful water extractors, and industrial-grade dehumidifiers as well as specialized monitoring technology to track and verify the progress of remediation.
You're Too Slow
As long as moisture remains inside your house, damage continues to spread and secondary consequences such as mold contamination intensify by the hour. There's no time for trial-and-error experiments or a casual do-it-yourself learning curve. Professional water damage remediation teams are on-duty 24/7/365 and arrive on the scene already up to speed: fully trained, experienced and equipped to intervene immediately and execute a proven, effective recovery plan, ASAP.
