Dealing with water damage after a flood is a matter for qualified professionals. While DIY methods may handle a limited water spill such as a brief plumbing leak, inundation by flood waters almost always requires more comprehensive remediation by a water damage expert—not only to address critical immediate problems but also to mitigate long-term consequences like the growth of toxic mold. As a homeowner, however, certain preliminary steps for dealing with water damage can help minimize the damage and expedite the recovery process when the pros arrive.
- Make sure the house is safe to enter. A flooded home is a danger zone due to hazards from electrocution and the possible collapse of walls and the ceiling. Don't go into the house until a qualified electrician has cut off electricity at the meter. Once inside, don't remain in any rooms where the walls or ceiling are sagging due to water absorption.
- Remove as much water as possible. Special water removal pumps are available at rental centers. However, if you don't have electrical power you'll have to leave heavy-duty water extraction to the pros who will arrive with generators. You can, however, bail out deep water with buckets, then push water out the door with a floor squeegee, and finally sop up the remainder with towels. Be sure to take care to protect yourself from direct contact with potentially contaminate floodwaters by donning gloves and boots.
- Get movable saturated materials out of the house, ASAP. Pull up soaked carpeting (and padding underneath) and move it outdoors. Take water-logged objects like mattresses outside, too.
- Dry the environment. Extreme humidity typically trapped inside a house after a flood can cause almost as much damage as the original water inundation. Open as many doors and windows as you can and get air moving. If you have electrical power, turn on the air conditioner to take advantage of the dehumidifying function. Special fans that move a high volume of air to dry interiors are available at rental centers.
For qualified service dealing with water damage in your home, contact the professionals at Rytech, Inc.
