What To Do When Your Home Is Flooded

By Author: Leonard Simmons
Total Articles: 152
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Home water damage is ugly, smelly and frightening for home owners. So when people suffer it on their property, many have the tendency to literally wade right in and go to work trying to mitigate it, or clean it up. Professional flood restoration companies urge you to stop and take precautions before you do.

The precautions you should take begin with your source of electricity. Everyone knows that water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Before entering any room or building that has flooded – even if there is no standing water – be certain that the “juice” is off at the source. This can be problematic, because quite often the main circuit box is in the basement or in a utility room and in serious flooding they will have been affected. One sure fire method is to call the electric company to disconnect the power, perhaps from the outside.

Another essential precaution is to wear watertight boots, clothing and especially gloves. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised. The reason for taking great care is that flood water generally contains microbes and bacteria. A few ...
... drops that penetrate a cut on a finger that has not healed, or a splash of contaminated water on the lips, nose or an eye, and a serious infection could be the result.

Even after homeowners have called a professional flood restoration company, they may be inclined to get started trying to save household belongings and furnishings. If the sun is out, it can seem like a good idea to drag things out into the yard to dry. This may be exactly the wrong thing to do with certain items, especially wood. In direct sunlight, wood will warp as it dries. Professionals will use shaded areas, and also braces and wood clamps. If you don’t know how to do it, you can cause more harm than good.

Standing water must be removed. The problem with attempting this is that few pumps available as rentals have the power to get it done quickly. Often, the water is not directed far enough away and ends up running back or seeping back into the house. Rental water vacuums are also underpowered. In addition, home flood damage occurs below the surface and walls and floors must be dried down to the studs. It is very difficult to rent the kind of equipment professionals use to get this done.

Want to learn more about home water damage?

Get more information:
http://www.theflooddoctor.com