Having to deal with a flood in your home can cause quite a headache. It’s frustrating, but it’s important to ensure you take the proper steps when reacting to a flood. Here are a few things you definitely want to avoid, following a residential flood.
DON’T WAIT TO START CLEANUP
Flood damage intensifies the longer it sits. The longer you allow the water to sit, the more damage can be done to your home. These damages can be minor from affecting carpets, flooring, and belongings, to causing more costly damage like in the wiring, plumbing, or HVAC.
You need to act fast when you discover your home has been flooded. Call a professional to come in and then start by eliminating as much water as you possibly can.
BE AWARE OF HIDDEN HAZARDS CAUSED BY THE FLOOD
Your instincts may tell you to act fast, and sometimes that causes you to throw caution to the wind and just get in there. Be smart about clearing the water damage before you dive in. Assess the area. If water causes items to be submerged, it’s likely there are hazards beneath the surface that you can’t see, like bacteria or mold, risk of electrical shock, or sanitation issues. Think of all possible hazards and make an assessment before you start cleaning up.
FOCUS ON BOTH THE LARGE AND SMALL DAMAGES
After a flood, it’s easy for your mind to shoot right for the large problems that could go wrong, like plumbing or electric. While that’s definitely an important factor to consider, you don’t want to overlook the small damages either. When water is sitting, it seeps into everything and destroys it. Size doesn’t matter.
It often happens that water damage doesn’t show any signs until days or weeks later. At that point, you might notice a foul odor or find mold in areas you thought were clear. By checking into everything that could have possibly been damaged, even if there are no visible signs, you save yourself in the long-run from even greater problems.
NOT ENLISTING THE HELP OF A PROFESSIONAL
While there are definitely some things you can do to start cleaning up the flooded area, there are some tasks that are best left in the hands of professionals. If you experience a flood, call them. They are knowledgeable about floods and know what to look for and how to fix it.
By opting not to call a professional, you run the risk of even more expensive repairs in the long-run. It’s best to get it done the right way the first time.
If you’re in the San Antonio, TX area and you discover a flood, Cleaning & Restoration Specialists can help. We’re available 24/7 to help you prevent further damage to your home. Learn more about how we can come to your rescue following a flood!
