Floods and water breakouts are as old as the civilization itself. Even living in a modernized world, we are not immune to these calamities that spring up every now and then. Apart from damaging goods and the house itself, they can pose health risks if removal and restoration work is not done properly.
Just after the damage, there is no time to wait for the professionals to come down there and save your precious belongings. The first response should always come from you if you want to salvage what is left and save what is not already ruined. It does not mean you should not contact them. Call them as soon as you notice the damage. There are a number of professional water damage removal services in Bowie MD that can literally save your skin.
However, in this post, we will go through some points that can help you with your first response endeavors.
General Do’s & Don’ts
- Turn off the electrical supply to the affected areas of your house.
- Floodwater could be contaminated and it should be treated as such, no matter how clean and clear it may seem.
- Use safety gear to move around. It includes waterproof gloves, boots, vests, etc.
- Once floodwater is somehow controlled, use a disinfectant on all exposed surfaces.
- Protect your skin, especially wounds, from floodwater and wash them after contact.
- Dispose of all the food that has come in contact with floodwater.
- Do not touch flood water at any cost. If you have to, use safety gear and then wash hands with soap.
- Make sure children, elders, and the sick do not come in contact with contaminated water.
Water Removal
Once water is abated, it is time to do some action. Before a water damage removal company Bowie MD, you need to get rid of standing water.
You can use either of these to speed up the process;
- Bucket and containers
- Water pump
- Shop vacuum
While using shop-vac remove its filter because it will be clogged soon because of the objects floating in the water.
Clear Channels & Drainage
Even when there is too much water standing around your house, soon it will start absorbing water. It is best to have the drains and water removal channels to be clean and ready.
Also, clear standing water around the foundations can compromise their structural integrity. Additionally, dirt, leaves, and other remnants can clog drains to let the water flow freely.
House Drying
When water is cleared out, it is time to get rid of all the moisture. There are three ways you can have your house dried out.
- Sun is free and abundant. Drag out items as many as possible and let them have a sunbath.
- Use a dehumidifier by directing its fan to the outside window. The more air circulation it has, the less time it will take to dry the house.
Use fans if you do not have a dehumidifier or things cannot be dragged out.
Even when there is too much water standing around your house, soon it will start absorbing water. It is best to have the drains and water removal channels to be clean and ready.
