How To Handle Flooding And Water Damage Repair In Your Home?
Flooding and other disasters can be stressful on homeowners for several reasons. You may worry about the safety of your family, the restorability of your possessions, or the financial burden that water damage represents. You have likely heard all sorts of tips before on how to handle flooding, but, just like the first aid tips you learned in boy scouts, they are hard to remember when you find yourself facing a real-life situation where they are necessary. Here are a few things you should do when you find yourself facing a flooding emergency and any water damage repair issue:
Water Damage Repair In Savannah
- Remember to prioritize safety first. Don’t enter areas if you have reservations about how structurally sound they may be, especially if parts of the walls, floor, or ceiling are sagging. In addition, remember to turn off water and electricity to the affected areas before examining. Be sure not to come into contact with contaminated water; which can be anything from a sewage or laundry pipe having burst in your home, to ground water from a flood caused by rain. If flood water has been sitting for more than 24 hours, wear a mask to avoid breathing in spores from mold that could have started growing. Be careful not to slip on wet home surfaces.
- Take simple steps to minimize damages. Taking steps early can vastly change your flood experience from a catastrophe to an unfortunate inconvenience. Many people forget to take such steps in the urgency and stress of the overall situation. Think about any valuables or family keepsakes you may have in the affected areas, and remove them to stow them away in a safe, dry place. Try to assess where the water is coming from, and do what you can to stop flow or catch it before it seeps into your walls or carpet. Perhaps you can even see where water is coming from, and turn off your water to that area all together if pipelines are what is causing floodwater to enter your home.
- Remove standing water. You do not have all the tools necessary to restore flood damage, so call a professional so they can arrive as soon as possible. Ask for safety instructions, and, then, do what you can to dry out your home. Establish good air flow where possible. A wet-dry vacuum, buckets, or towels can be helpful. If the flooding is severe, you may be encouraged by a restoration team to wait to help to arrive.
- Protect your furniture where possible. Remove area rugs and items from the floor as these can stain the carpet or floor underneath. In addition, it is helpful to put a dry layer between the legs of furniture and the wet floor. This will protect both the furniture and the carpet. Even furniture with metal legs can leave rust stains on the carpet. A piece of plywood or some foil can work well for this function.
You may not remember even homeowners' tips for flooding when you’re face to face with a stressful situation, but, luckily, you do not have to. Just remember to stay safe, act fast, and call for help. For water damage emergencies and restoration in Savannah, Harper Special Services should be your first call, and will help you restore and repair your home in an efficient manner from start to finish. Do not hesitate for one second when it comes to any water damage repair. Call today!