Some Do’s and Dont’s In Flood Damage Cleanup

If you know that a flood may hit your house, then make sure you are ready for it. A few things you can do before the flood comes (for flood damage cleanup can be messy, and not to mention costly):

* Do not keep valuables in the basement as things that can get easily ruined with water.

* Make sure that your insurance covers flood damages and make sure it is enough to cover the probable cost the damage may cause.

* Make sure that your fuse box and utility meters are well and above the flood level of your house. If you are not sure or if you do not know what the flood level of your house is try asking your local building official or a professional.

What will you do when flood happens? Try to go to a higher ground and do not attempt to drive through the flood for the water can easily sweep your car away.

After the flood, the prospect of restoring your flooded house depends largely on time. That is to say, on how fast your premises as well as your belongings dry.

* So immediately ventilate the wet areas. Open the windows to let the air circulate inside your house or reinforce it with the use of heaters.

* Remove any stagnant water on flat surfaces.

* Dry soaked carpets and rugs as soon as possible. Remove them from wood surfaces to prevent any further damage on the wood.

* Transport electrical appliances to dry environment, remove their cases and you can blow dry them with low pressure air.

* Remove lamps, phones, and any decorative accessories from wet furniture. Drawers and cabinets should be opened for thorough drying.

* To prevent any staining in the carpet, place aluminum squares, saucers or plastics under the furniture legs.

* Keep children as well as pets away from areas that are contaminated.

These are a few but practical things to do in flood damage cleanup but it doesn’t stop there. If there are do’s in a flood damage cleanup, then there are also a few don’ts one must also follow.

* One is do not operate, turn on, use televisions, vacuum cleaners or other appliances if you’re standing on wet floors and carpets. You know what could possibly happen to you.

* Do not use heat to dry interiors in closed buildings. It may cause mildew growth and expand moisture damage.

* Do not leave wet fabrics in place especially if they are on top of wooden surfaces for it will just cause more damage.

* Do not use any outlets unless you are sure that they are safe to use or you have asked the electrician to check and repair them. Avoid stepping on stagnant waters, they contain a lot of contaminants; do not allow pets to play with the mud. They may be contaminated.

It is important to know what you can and cannot do during a flood damage cleanup.