When it comes to cleaning up any type of water loss in your home or business, there are some important do’s and don'ts after water damage. Unless you have previously suffered such a loss, this type of problem most likely is unchartered territory. Water Mold Fire Restoration wants to provide you with some information about what you should or should not do.
Do's
- Turn off electricity in all affected areas to prevent electrical shock.
- Determine the origin of the water (pipe break, water heater, drain backup, etc.).
- Call Water Mold Fire Restoration, 800-905-0277.
- Remove any collectible or breakable items if it can be done safely.
- Act quickly, but calmly, with great care – avoid slip and fall accidents.
Whenever it is necessary to work with standing water, you always want to make sure you shutoff the electricity in the area to avoid any electrical shock hazards. When first discovered, you don’t know if the water has affected any electrical appliances, wall plugs, or light fixtures.
You will also want to try and determine what type of water is present. If the water came from beyond a trap or drain it could contain hazardous bacteria and viruses. You should be very cautious before attempting to work in category 3 containing sewage. Water containing raw sewage is a definite health hazard.
If the affected areas contain personal possessions that are delicate in nature, any firearms, or collectibles, you should attempt to move them to a safe area of your home, away from the water. You know best how these items can be safely moved. But remember, the number one cause of personal injury in a water-related loss is slip and fall. Be especially careful when walking from wet areas onto vinyl or hardwood floors.
The #1 thing you should do is act quickly in getting professional assistance to remove the water and dry out your home. The longer you let building materials and personal belongings remain wet, the more damage the water will do. Untimely delays can make salvageable items unsalvageable and increase the chance that mold will become an issue.
Don't
- Take on more you can handle. Water restoration done correctly can be tricky. Without the proper detection devices it's hard to determine the true extent of the damage.
- Take unnecessary risks. Entering rooms that have been damaged by water can result in many different types of personal injury.
- Don't think that if the water is gone, the job is done. Leaving structural components and personal items to dry on their own is just asking for mold trouble.
Once water reaches the level that it begins to affect drywall and wood, it is most likely gone beyond anything you should attempt to correct on your own. Many people attempt to extract the water and dry things out on their own, only to realize they should have called a professional water restoration company to start with. Water Mold Fire Restoration has certified technicians with the proper equipment to restore your home to its pre-loss condition in record time.
Don't let the disaster happen twice by attempting to do the cleanup yourself. Remember, mold can start to grow in 24 to 48 hours. That’s why getting everything dry quickly is so important. Call Water Mold Fire Restoration at 800-905-0277 immediately upon discovering water damage to your home. Our water restoration experts respond to these types of emergencies 24/7. Or if you prefer, email us at help@watermoldfire.net.
