Over 14 million homes in the United States were flooded in 2019. Flooding is one of the most common reasons for water damage, which can threaten the stability of homes and businesses if it isn’t fixed quickly and properly.
Even if you live in a low-risk flood zone, keep in mind that flooding isn’t the only cause of residential water damage. Water damage is also caused by leaking appliances, broken pipes, and roof damage. Water can cause significant damage in a short period of time. However, by acting quickly, you can reduce the severity of the damage.
In this blog, we will highlight the best advice on what to do after a flood damages your home or property before getting a water damage restoration service.
Flood Damage: Quick Steps to Take After a Flood in Colorado Springs, CO
1. Be Prepared
If you’ve never had flooding in your home, now is an excellent time to prepare in case there’s an emergency. If a homeowner has a plan for what to do in case of an emergency, the damage from a flood can be lessened.
The following are critical items to include in your water emergency plan:
- A detailed inventory of your high-valued belongings.
- Locations of shut-off valves for water and electrical systems
- Contact information for your insurance company and any relevant utility companies
2. Stay Safe
When navigating a flooded property, it is critical to stay safe. Because electricity and water do not mix, wading through floodwaters may result in an electric shock. Make sure to turn off your power as soon as possible. If you require assistance, contact your utility service provider as soon as possible.
Follow these safety precautions if your home gets flooded:
- Listen to the authorities: Move your family to a safe place until the local authorities certify your home’s safety.
- Inspect for structural damage: You’ll want to confirm your home’s structural status as you return.
- Inspect for creaks in floors, buckling and cracks in walls, and mold growth in the affected areas.
- Wear protective gear.
3. Document Damage
Take as many pictures as you can while surveying the flooded areas of your home or property. Even though your insurance company will send out an adjuster to write down the costs of the damage, you may need to provide photos to file a full claim.
The more evidence you produce, the stronger your claim will be. So, be thorough when inspecting your home after flood damage. Take pictures of the walls, floorboards, and any other affected areas.
4. Provide Ventilation
Ventilation is an essential component of the drying process. If the flooding isn’t too bad, you can start drying out before you start fixing the damage. Natural drying has the potential to make a significant difference. Allow adequate ventilation by opening windows and doors in flooded areas.
5. Contact Restoration Experts
No matter how small the water damage is, it can have a big effect on the structure of your home or building. Putting off professional restoration can make the problem worse. It is not advisable to attempt water damage restoration on your own.
You can give it your all, but it won’t be as good as a professional service. Keep in mind that mold damage is real, and mold remediation can be costly. Professional restoration services are available at fair prices. If you live in Colorado Springs, CO, don’t hesitate to contact Environmental Control. We take pride in providing exceptional, efficient, and quality service.
Water Damage Restoration Process
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Inspection
Damage assessment is critical for determining the level of danger and the best cleanup method. It’s important to remember that standing water that hasn’t been cleaned for a long time can be just as dangerous as a sewer backup.
The longer the water stays, the more damage it is likely to do, and if you try to check on flooded properties without the right knowledge and safety gear, you could endanger your health.
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Water Extraction
Water removal follows the inspection of the property. Professionals use specialized tools, such as sump pumps, wet vacuums, and submersible pumps, to get rid of a lot of flood water. In small cases of water damage, you might not need to get rid of the water with vacuums and pumps.
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Further Damage Prevention
Water-damaged items, like wet carpets and furniture, are much less likely to get worse if you check them out and get rid of them. Unsalvageable items should not be kept. This stage of water damage restoration deals with the rehabilitation of flood-damaged belongings as well as the disposal of severely damaged items.
No matter how expensive the damaged items are, you should let them go, or you risk a black mold outbreak in your home or property. Restoration professionals will also inspect your home’s structural elements to see if they have been damaged.
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Thorough Drying
Many construction materials are porous. They may soak up water easily, which can cause a lot of damage, such as paint cracking and floor warping, as well as mold growth and other health risks. Professional drying is needed to get the water out of these structural parts and other hard-to-reach areas that have been damaged by water.
Most restoration companies use large air movers and dehumidifiers made for industrial use to speed up the drying process.
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Moisture Level Monitoring
The drying time is determined by the extent of the water damage and the amount of time the water sat before extraction. During the drying process, restoration experts will come to your home or property on a regular basis to make sure that the affected materials are getting less wet and to make any changes to the drying equipment that are needed for better results.
Contact Environmental Control of South Colorado to Restore Your Property After a Flood
A poorly restored, water-damaged property is a disaster waiting to happen, and it may cost you more later. Attempting water damage restoration may be a bad idea, especially if you can’t identify the type or category of water damage or don’t have the resources to handle the situation.
However, you can save yourself the stress and future expenses by contacting professionals like Environmental Control of South Colorado. Our team of restoration specialists is well-trained and equipped to deliver excellent service.
We know how dangerous water damage can be, so we work hard to fix it and make it less dangerous. Call us right away for a quick response. Also, we are here 24/7 for any emergency restoration needs you may have.