7 Ways to Clean Up Following a Flood

When water is pouring into your home, it’s time to act quickly to protect your family and your belongings. Whether due to a natural disaster or a burst pipe, the aftermath of a flood can be devastating. By following these tips, you can minimize the amount of water damage repair in Kennesaw needed following a disaster.

• Make sure everyone is safe. First and foremost, make sure that all members of your family are accounted for. Rushing water, like that in a flood, is extremely dangerous. Remove pets and children from potentially dangerous situations before attempting to clean up the water or disinfect your belongings.
• Know where the water is coming from. Is the flooding caused by a burst pipe, rainfall, or a sewer line? Sewage is dangerous and poses a health hazard to your family. If your flooding is sewage-related, leave the cleanup to the professionals to reduce the risk of contamination and sickness. If the water is relatively clean, you may be able to handle some of the cleanup on your own.
• Disconnect the power. Electronics and appliances pose the biggest risk to your safety following a flood. If mixed with water, they could cause electrocution. For that reason, it’s important to remove all electronics from the path of the water. If possible, turn off the power to the flooded areas, especially if the water rises above the electrical outlets. If you aren’t sure whether or not an area poses an electrical risk, call a professional before proceeding.
• Get rid of the water. It’s important to remove the water from the flooded area as quickly as possible. After turning off the power and removing electronics from the area, use towels, buckets, and mops to remove as much water from the area as you can.
• Disinfect your belongings. After a flood, reduce the risk of contamination by treating your belongings quickly. Mattresses, carpet pads, and some furniture may need to be thrown away, depending on whether or not they’ve been affected by the water. Dishes, utensils, and kitchenware all need to be disinfected with a solution of bleach and water. Books, photographs, and other paper goods should be removed from the water and placed in a dry location.
• Call for help. Treating water damage is difficult. In many cases, water infiltrates the walls and flooring of the home. If left unchecked, this leads to the growth of mold and structural damage. A professional water damage repair company has the tools and equipment needed to detect water damage and clean it up properly. Whether you need pumps, fans, or mold cleanup, these companies have everything you need to ensure that your home is restored quickly.
• Take pictures and speak with your insurance company. If you have flood insurance, your policy may cover the damage caused by the water. Following the flood, call your insurance company to begin the process of filing a claim. Be sure to take pictures of the damage and follow the instruction of your insurance carrier exactly. This helps the claim process to flow smoother.

Immediate water damage cleanup in Kennesaw is important. Don’t handle things on your own. Allow a professional company to help you remove the water, reduce contamination, and restore your home. With their assistance, your home will be water-free in no time.