Flood damage can leave property owners facing significant repair bills and a long road to recovery. The good news is that it’s possible to restore a building and return it to its pre-flood condition with the help of professional water restoration specialists. The key is to act quickly and to take the following steps:
Pump Out Standing Water
It’s critical to get rid of any excess moisture in a home or business after a flood. This is because moisture is a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, which can cause serious health issues. To minimize the impact of flood damage, it’s best to hire an IICRC-certified restoration expert who can utilize high-powered pumps and other tools to extract as much water as possible.
The process of flood restoration will also include cleaning and sanitation. This includes removing any materials that have been damaged beyond repair, as well as disinfecting the entire structure. This helps to remove any environmental, chemical or biological contaminants that may have been left behind by the flood waters.
Evacuate When Flood Warnings or Watches Are Issued
Before flooding occurs, make sure that you and your family have a safe evacuation plan in place. This will help you to avoid having to navigate through flooded areas, which can be dangerous. If you must go outside, it’s important to wear rubber gloves, face masks and boots. Standing water can contain a variety of harmful pathogens, including bacteria, viruses and microorganisms, all of which pose a risk to your health.
Once the flood waters recede, you can start to assess the damage to your home or business. It’s important to do this as soon as possible, since the longer that you wait to begin repairs, the more severe the damage will be.
You should also check to see if your insurance policy covers the cost of flood damage restoration. If it does, you can contact a restoration company that will handle the process of filing an insurance claim. This can help to ease the stress that comes with dealing with a disaster and can give you peace of mind knowing that your home or business is protected.
Choose What to Save
It can be difficult to determine what items are salvageable after a flood, and this will depend on the severity of the damage as well as their sentimental value. Some items will be too expensive or complicated to restore, and it’s important to weigh these factors when making a decision. It’s also a good idea to take photos of any items that you plan to salvage, as this will be helpful when filing an insurance claim.
Once you’ve chosen what to keep, you can begin the flood restoration process. You should aim to start this as quickly as possible, as mold can begin growing within 24 hours of exposure to moisture. You should also make sure that you’re taking steps to prevent future flooding by improving your home’s drainage system and redirecting rainwater away from your property with landscaping.