Following these Immediate Steps to Handle – or clean up a water damage emergency – will help minimize any permanent or long-term damages to your home. Once the situation has been assessed, you should take the necessary steps to remove any damaged materials and replace them as needed. If structural damage has occurred, you should replace these immediately, as well as any decorative items. Immediately contact an emergency waterproofing Indianapolis IN company or water damage contractor to remove damaged materials and restore the structure.
Clean water damage
Fortunately, there are many resources to help you clean up a flood. Floodwater contains many contaminants, so proper clean-up methods must be applied to contaminated areas. Your local authorities will have specific regulations on what you can do with damaged items. Until the water has been properly disinfected, consider it unsafe to consume. The EPA, CDC, and HUD offer additional resources for water damage cleanup. Here are some of the most important things to know.
Water emergencies are a common occurrence, but it doesn’t mean you should be unprepared for them. While you can’t control them, they can be minimized. Depending on where water is entering your home, it can ruin your personal belongings, cause mold, and damage the structural integrity of your building. It is also dangerous to leave water-damaged buildings untreated since mold growth and other potential health hazards can result if it is not treated properly.
A good water damage cleaning process will include disinfecting surfaces and soaking up excess water. You should unplug any electronic devices in the affected area, as these can be infected. Unplugging electronics is crucial for preventing any further damage to the home. If there’s water left untreated, you may even end up with biohazardous substances. A professional will be able to help you clean up the water and disinfect the affected areas.
Sewage backups
If you find yourself dealing with a sewage backup, there are immediate steps you should take. Sewage backups can cause serious health risks, destroy valuable items, and cause electrical malfunctions. Sewage backups must be cleaned up as quickly as possible in order to minimize inconvenience and prevent mold growth. Call a professional restoration company immediately to handle the water damage restoration process.
First, disinfect the area. To do this, use a wet vacuum or other cleaning equipment. You may also need to turn off the electricity to the affected area. Water and electricity do not mix safely. To disinfect contaminated water, use bleach. For commercial properties, install sump pumps to remove excess water. You should also test the sump pump and make sure it works properly. You should also check the foundation of the building for any cracks. If you see any, make sure they are sealed.
When sewage backs up, you’ll need to be aware of what the water contains. Besides the unpleasant smell, sewage backup water is highly contaminated. It is also filled with harmful bacteria. Some people may experience rashes, skin infections, and even Hepatitis A. These problems are often caused by contaminated water or food. Disinfecting items and consumables is crucial since contaminated water and objects can easily contact and touch the skin. You can contract a variety of infections by touching contaminated objects and articles.
Flooding
First, it is essential to remove soaked articles from a flooded room. Porous materials cannot be cleaned completely, and can even serve as breeding grounds for mold. High-end furniture, such as hardwood floors, should be cleaned, disinfected, and dried thoroughly with ventilation. Do not use hot air to dry carpeting, baseboards, or door moldings. Before restoring any damaged items, it is essential to preserve your valuables.
If your property is in an area known to flood, you should prepare for the worst. Identify the source of flooding and the extent of the water that has entered your home. Many times, the most dangerous flooding is caused by backed-up sewer pipes. It is also important to turn off any electrical sources as water conducts electricity. In addition, keep pets and curious children away from any standing water.
Once you are sure that you have no electrical wiring or appliances in the area where the flood has occurred, proceed to shut off the water supply to the affected area. Disconnect electrical appliances and mechanical tools before proceeding. Cover any holes in the roof and check for pests. Secure heavy furniture and equipment in an out-of-the-way area. Remember, water damage restoration isn’t a DIY project. Listed below are some helpful tips to handle a water damage emergency.
