Cleaning Up Water Damage Water damage restoration can be a difficult task for a homeowner or property owner. Flooding, whether due to natural phenomena, accidents, or equipment malfunction, can cause extensive damage in a very short amount of time. The danger from water damage in the southern United States is perhaps one of the main concerns of homeowners and property owners in the region. This is because the environment and weather patterns and climate is typically more prone to severe weather that produces flooding that any other type of natural disaster. This includes hurricanes and the massive amounts of wind and rain that can cause extensive flooding to large areas. Because the danger of water damage is a more prevalent threat to residents here than any other form of structural damage, those who live in the south should be prepared for what to do in the case of a flood or water damage in their home.
What You Can Do There are of course experts in water damage restoration that can be called in to help if your house or residence becomes flooded but the first steps towards water damage restoration begins with you the homeowner or property owner. Because of this, it is incredibly important that each family and household has an action plan of what they will do in the event of a flood or water damage inside the home. The first step in creating this action plan will come from understanding what it is that you as a home or property owner can do before professional restoration crews arrive. The very first thing that should be done in the event of a flood is to ensure the physical safety of everyone in the house or structure by shutting off the electricity supply to the structure. This will prevent accidental electrocution of individuals due to the introduction of water into a secure, but electrically filled home or building.
Finding the Source After the electricity is shut off, immediate action should be taken to mitigate extensive damages being incurred on personal property and possessions such as pieces of furniture or other possessions that are in danger of being ruined by prolonged exposure to water. This can be done by first examining and solving, if possible, the problem that is allowing water to enter the home.
By stopping the water entry point or points a person will be able to move on with their action plan by removing the items, again such as furniture, that will be damaged if left exposed to water. Move these items out of the flooded area to higher ground in the home to avoid them being completely destroyed. After these items have been removed from the flooded area, begin the process of removing the water from the home or structure. This can be accomplished by the use of mops, squeegees and by blotting towels on damp or flooded areas. By being prepared and knowing how you should proceed in the first few moments following a flood, individuals and their families can be ready to help mitigate the overall damages incurred in the event of a flood. For residents with water damage in Atlanta, GA, Belfor has the expertise, skills, and resources to make repairs quickly so you can get back to your life. Photo Credit: DVIDSHUB, Steven Depolo, Derrick Collins