When to call when you find out you have water damage
Water Damage can be insidious. It is not something that a homeowner can shrug off simply because its consequences are really damaging, and it will get all the more destructive when left untreated.
So what’s a homeowner to do when he finds out that there is water damage in his home?
House Logic offered some advice on this, saying that safety should always be the homeowner’s paramount priority.
“Even if the water in your home is clear, it could be contaminated by sewage or household chemicals. Ramirez recommends wearing waders, hip- or waist-high waterproof boots. In addition, wear rubber gloves to remove water-damaged possessions and to avoid contaminants, Ramirez notes. Be sure to throw out any food that may have come into contact with flood waters. FEMA recommends boiling water until authorities declare the water supply is safe.”
Read the whole list here.
Porch.com emphasized how important it is to act swiftly when water damage hits a home.
“When your property has been water damaged, you don’t have the luxury of waiting around for a convenient time to start the cleanup. Secondary damage from mold growth can present serious health risks associated with mold in the living environment. Mold spores are everywhere, but they need moisture and a nutrient source to grow. And that is exactly what your wet carpet or drywall offers. There is a 24 to 48 hour window from the time something gets wet until mold can begin to grow. After that time, mold will multiply rapidly. When mold growth is widespread, you may need the services of a professional mold remediation service to safely treat and remove the mold.”
Check out the rest of Porch’s advice here.
If and when the water damage is massive, the Institute for Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification or IICRC offered some advice.
“Before entering a home affected by water damage, make sure the electrical power is shut off. Exposed wires or plugged in devices can electrocute people, resulting in major injury or even death. Also, it’s best to move slowly through the building when re-entering it for the first time. Snakes, reptiles or rodents may be hiding under debris and could lash out and bite suddenly. To protect against wildlife and airborne contaminants, wear protective clothing from head to toe, including a vapor respirator, rubber gloves and eye protection. Also, wear thick boots that can withstand puncturing and animal bites.”
See the rest of the article here.
When to call when you find out you have water damage? To ensure that water damage can be thoroughly dried and restored, seek the help of a professional water damage restorer.
San Diego Flood Restoration
If you recently experienced flood damage or water damage, the team at Mighty Dry is here to help. Contact us today to get started restoring your home or business.
