When flood water enters the home, it can carry a variety of contaminants with it. Flood damage can be devastating to even the strongest homes. It may result in financial loss of costly possessions and water damage restoration. Flood water carries dirt, grime, bacteria, mold spores, and other contaminants that can pose risks to the health of flood victims. Lost or flood-damaged belongings can be restored; however, flood damage restoration is more complicated.
The first step to flood water restoration for flood victims is to move to a safe shelter. If there has been flooding, it is important to relocate to higher ground until the water recedes. The next step is to contact a flood damage restoration professional if the home has been flooded with saltwater. Saltwater is corrosive and can cause more serious damages to homes and belongings.
It is also important to avoid using any appliances that have been exposed to flood water, including air conditioning units, washing machines, or dishwashers. Appliances can be damaged by exposure to flood water and could result in flooding of additional areas of the home if they are used during a flood restoration process.
The restoration process begins with the removal of flood-damaged belongings. Flood water restoration professionals will remove and package everything in the home that has been exposed to floodwaters. Flood victims should not enter a flooded home until it has been professionally cleaned and dried.
Wet, muddied rugs and furniture should be removed from the home and taken to a professional flood damage restoration company to be properly cleaned and restored. They will use industrial-sized dehumidifiers and blowers in order to dry out the home after it has been flooded.
After everything in the home has been professionally dried, fire and smoke damage restoration can begin if there is also water damage from a fire. Specialized cleaning and restoration processes can return fire and smoke-damaged homes to their original state after a flood.
Once the home has been completely restored, it is important to work with family members to determine what belongings were lost during the flood. It may be necessary for families to take inventory of all belongings in order to file an insurance claim and request assistance with flood water restoration costs.
Juan Farr is an avid home blogger, with the goal of helping his readers find inspiration and ideas for their next project. He writes about everything from small design projects to large renovations. His goal is to help people transform their homes into something that reflects who they are.
