It’s scary to know that Americans deal with new floods on a daily basis, and most of them aren’t even caused by cyclones.
Realizing that there’s a flood in the home can make calm people lose sight of what to do. Messing up the water clean up process can spell huge trouble for your home.
What can you do to recover from flooding in your home? Read on to unpack four water clean up mistakes that you have to avoid.
1. Delaying Cleaning Up After a Flood
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when dealing with water damage is delaying the flood clean up process. When a flood occurs, getting to work right away is ideal. Waiting will only make the water damage much worse.
Water can get into your floors, walls, and furniture, causing structural damage and promoting mold growth. To prevent further harm, begin the flood clean-up process as soon as it’s safe to do so.
2. Insufficient Drying
Effective drying is crucial when cleaning up after a flood. Many DIY attempts fall short in this area. Simply mopping up visible water may not be enough.
Hidden pockets of moisture can linger, leading to long-term problems like mold and mildew. To avoid this mistake, use specialized equipment like dehumidifiers and industrial fans to ensure that all affected areas are thoroughly dried.
Professional water clean-up companies have the necessary tools and expertise to handle this critical step effectively.
3. Ignoring Safety Precautions
Safety should always be a top priority during flood clean-up. Unfortunately, some DIY enthusiasts overlook important safety precautions. Floodwater may contain contaminants, bacteria, and even hazardous chemicals.
It’s essential to wear appropriate protective gear, including gloves and masks, to avoid health risks. You should also be cautious of electrical hazards in flooded areas. Turning off power to affected areas is crucial to prevent accidents.
Professionals are well-versed in safety protocols and can handle these risks safely.
4. Choosing DIY Flooding Over Professional Help
Perhaps the most significant mistake homeowners make when cleaning up after a flood is attempting to do it all themselves. While it’s admirable to tackle challenges independently, water damage restoration is tricky. It’s a long process that often requires the expertise of a professional water clean-up company.
These experts have the experience, training, and equipment needed to do the following:
Assess the extent of the damage
Prevent further issues
Restore your home to its pre-flood condition
Hiring a water clean-up company offers a bunch of advantages. They can provide a comprehensive assessment of the damage, identify hidden issues, and create a tailored restoration plan.
They also know how to extract water, dry affected areas, and prevent mold growth. They’ll even be able to help with insurance claims. They’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Do You Need Help with Water Clean Up?
Cleaning up after a flood in the home can be a daunting task, and DIY flooding clean-up attempts can lead to costly mistakes. To avoid these water clean up errors, act promptly, ensure thorough drying, prioritize safety, and consider seeking professional help.
Do you need water restoration help in Flathead County? Contact ServiceMaster Restore to get the professional care that you deserve.
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