Dealing With Water Damage in Your Home or Business

Few things are worse than realizing your home or place of business has experienced water damage. Flooding leaves your belongings damaged, and it can lead to additional issues that may harm the health and well-being of your family or employees. Finding a company that can help you with the clean up and restoration of your property is not just a convenience, it is a necessity.

A variety of circumstances can cause water damage. Often, the climate and extreme weather situations lead to flooding. If you live in a floodplain, you will be required to have flood insurance, but those not in a plain will find their homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Do your best to prepare for unexpected weather circumstances. Just knowing ahead of time what you will do should a flood occur will prevent additional damage and exposure to dangerous circumstances. When the unexpected does occur, be sure you use proper clean-up procedures to avoid further damage.

Non-Climate Related Flooding

Those who live in consistent climates may still experience water damage. Things in your home may malfunction, creating a flood. Pipes can bust, roofs can leak, and appliances can malfunction. Homeowners may not expect a flood in the dead of a cold winter when the water in their environment is mostly frozen. But if a pipe freezes, it can burst and spray massive amounts of water into the indoor space. Drains may clog, causing water to back up, creating a flood situation. Keep in mind this water may be toxic, especially if it is sewer water which has caused the flooding. Also, keep in mind that even if flood water is clean, it can cause mold and mildew damage if not cleaned properly. While the initial situation was not dangerous, mold and mildew can create a toxic situation.

When flooding occurs, it is unexpected and you may not be prepared. In order to avoid further damage, it is helpful to have a plan designed to deal with emergency flooding situations. The unexpected does occur. So if you have a general idea of how to deal with situations, it can save you time and money in the long run. Remember safety is your first priority. Do not operate electrical equipment near standing water or damp areas. As you are removing wet items from the area, be careful not to track toxic or damaged materials through undamaged areas. If the flooding occurred indoors, do not use heat to dry the area because it will promote mold and mildew growth. Ventilating the area and moving fans into the room can help.

How You Can Help

While it is best to call on professional cleaning and restoration services, there are a few things you can do immediately following a flood to ensure further damage will not occur. First, inspect the ceiling and determine whether it appears to be sagging. If it is, stay out of the room until professional help arrives. If the room is still in good structural standing, you can remove wet materials from the area. You will still want to keep children and pets away from the affected area. Ventilate the area by opening windows and doors. If there is standing water, do your best to remove it from the area, carefully protecting exposed skin. Remove items like lamps, computer, telephones, and decorative items from the area. Freeze books damaged by the water to prevent mold growth.

The best way to ensure water damage does not lead to permanent problems is to call on a professional cleaning and restoration service. They use state of the art technology like the Aqualiquidator system and the Aqua Enforcer. These water removal systems ensure professional, safe removal in the most efficient manner possible. Their technology and professionals handle both large and small floods.

Emergency companies offer 24-hour service because they understand emergencies happen at all times of the day and night. Their experience with damage restoration ensures you will receive knowledgeable recommendations and thorough cleaning services. They realize that dealing with water damage is more complicated than just removing the water. They understand the environmental concerns, and will call on other professionals when the need arises. If the unexpected occurs, call on them for your restoration and cleaning needs.

Gary Trevano is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find Your Guide to Dealing With Home Emergencies or more Home Care articles at the Yodle Consumer Guide, The Yodler. Also check out Dealing With Water Damage in Your Home or Business