What To Do When You Find A Flood
When your home sustains water damage it can be challenging to know where to start or what to do first. Thankfully, hiring a water damage repair company can give you the direction you may be seeking. Water damage cleanup is not as easy as just vacuuming up water or laying down towels. While those options may work for very small floods, what would you do if your home had several feet of water in the basement? Here are a few steps you should take upfront in order to protect your safety and the safety of your family.
Safety First
The first thing to think about when you see standing water in your home is electricity. Make sure that you turn your power off so that you know that the water does not have a charge. Most homes in America have a household current of 120v/240v which is enough electricity to be lethal to an adult. Children often see flood water as an indoor pool, but they must be kept out at all costs.
Assume Contamination
In addition to being a hazard of drowning and electrocution, flood water usually carries many dangerous germs. E. Coli is a common bacteria found in floodwater that can contaminate anything it touches. Never wade into floodwater, as this puts you at great risk for infections. If you are part of the clean-up team, always wear protective gear and make sure to sanitize anything that you attempt to salvage from the area. Any clothing, fabrics, or upholstery that is contaminated may be cleaned using hot water and cleaning detergent. Should you find yourself in a situation where you are unsure if something has been contaminated or not, assume contamination.
Make Arrangements
Until the area is cleaned and decontaminated you should make arrangements for your family to stay elsewhere. If the flood is on a lower level you may think that you will be fine, however, you should really stay with family or get a hotel room. Mold spores spread quickly and can be present in the air. Do not put your family at risk. Instead, play it safe and stay elsewhere until water damage repairs can be made.
In conclusion, standing water in your home could be very dangerous for you and your family. Flooding should not be taken lightly. The longer there is standing water in your home the more dangerous it becomes. Call a water damage repair company to get the cleanup started as soon as possible.