Steps Before SERVPRO Gets There

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

If your home has sustained water damage due to flooding, there are many critical items to consider. Flood safety is your number one priority. If the flooding is extensive, your family and pets should leave the house immediately and call a storm damage restoration service. If the water is contained in a small area, you may be able to stay in your home until the restoration service arrives. In that case, there are several safety tips you should begin implementing right away.

How To Safely Remove Water From Your Home
Follow flood safety recommendations by turning off the electricity in the area that is affected. Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands as well.

Remove the water - If the flooring is a hard surface, such as linoleum, tile or cement, mop up the water and then wipe the entire surface with a dry towel. If you have carpeting, blot the wet area with clean rags or towels. Continue blotting until you have removed as much water as possible.

Move the furniture - Any moveable furniture and belongings that are located in the water-damaged area should be moved to a safe location and blotted or wiped dry. If the items are destroyed, throw them out right away. Call your local trash pickup service to make sure they will take the items. Otherwise, the restoration service will dispose of them when they arrive. Large items, such as sofas or beds, that can't be moved easily can be propped up on wood blocks. If you don't have any wood available, put sheets of aluminum foil under the legs.

Turn on the air conditioning - To help speed up the drying process, turn on your air conditioning unit. In very humid areas, such as basements, a dehumidifier is a great idea as well.