It doesn't matter whether you live in a risk area or not, flooding can affect anyone. From broken pipes to storms, there are many things that can trigger a flood!
And while flooding is devastating on its own, knowing what to do to avoid additional water damage is important.
The 48-hour rule
Following the 48 hour rule is one of the most important ways to prevent mold after water damage. Accordingly, you must dry out any walls or furniture that have become wet from the flood within 48 hours. If you don't do this, mold will develop, which means you'll need to replace the furniture and wallpaper.
Remove the furniture
To comply with the 48 hour rule, you must remove every piece of furniture before it gets wet. You can let it dry in your garage or driveway, especially when the sun comes up.
Use aluminum foil
If you can't remove every piece of furniture from the room, you can protect it with aluminum foil. Just put the sheeting between the wet floor and the furniture legs that you cannot remove. Instead of aluminum foil, you can also use wooden blocks or similar objects.
Avoid draining the water too quickly
Know how Remove water from a flooded area is extremely important. Depending on the area hit by the flood, draining the water too quickly can cause serious damage. For example, if you are dealing with a basement flood, removing the water will cause pressure changes that can cause the foundation to collapse.
Know Which Flood Cleanup Supplies To Buy
If you don't have supplies ready for flood remediation, you need to do some shopping ASAP. First, buy some dehumidifiers and fans to dry out the walls. Also, make sure you bring some protective items like gloves and boots with you.
Do not use vacuum to remove water
Using a vacuum cleaner to remove water and sludge can be shocking for both you and your device. Mud can clog the vacuum while water can short it out. In addition, you can electrocute yourself if you use electrical appliances to purify the water.
Improve the airflow
Improving airflow is key to preventing mold in the basement or in flooded rooms. You can do this by opening the windows and doors and letting fresh air into the room. In addition, you can use an AC system to further improve ventilation.
Turn off the utilities
Most flood cleaning procedures mention that you need to turn off the electricity before cleaning. However, you should also turn off utilities like gas to avoid accidents.
Remove standing water
Any leftover water can be the breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Make sure to remove any standing water pools, no matter how small they are. You can do this with a pump or towels if the pools are too small.
Get professional help
Sometimes a flood can be too much to handle, especially if it is the first time it occurs. This is why you should contact a local company who will deal with you Restoration and repair of flood damage. Plus, you even ask them for tips on how to protect against future flooding.
Final thoughts
Overall, no matter how experienced you are, cleaning up after a flood can be a difficult task. However, if you pay attention to our tips, you will most likely save most of your furniture and items. Just remember to play it safe and follow all safety precautions related to cleaning up floods.
