The Importance of Quick Response after Flooding

Whether due to a leaky pipe or a natural disaster, a flood in your home can cause serious damage. If not taken care of immediately, the water can destroy a lot of your property. While you might be tempted to wait and let things dry out on their own, this could cause more damage than good. As soon as water begins to enter your home, it’s time to act quickly. Here’s why water removal is so important:

• Mold and mildew grow quickly. If you don’t begin cleaning up as soon as you can after a flood, bacteria begin to grow. Mold and mildew thrive in humid and damp places. Following a flood, the spores of these bacteria begin to grow within the first 24 to 48 hours. The only way to prevent mold from growing is by drying out the areas that are wet. Remove the water as best you can, then use fans and ventilate the area to speed up the drying process.
• Your policy may cover professional cleanup. Depending on your insurance policy, flood damage may be covered. If it is, you may be entitled to professional help when cleaning up the damage. Before you do anything else, be sure to call your insurance company to get the claim process started. They will give you instructions to ensure that everything is done the right way. The more quickly you act, the more quickly you can get the help that you need.
• The longer that water sits, the more structural damage occurs. Even an inch of water can cause serious issues to the structure of your home. If left, it can seep into the drywall and beams of your walls. When this happens, you have to completely remove the drywall and replace it. Those first moments after flood damage could make the difference between a quick fix and a complete overhaul.
• It could protect your belongings. Flood water is devastating for your home and belongings. If you don’t act quickly following the flow of water, your belongings could become unsalvageable. The only thing that has to be thrown out following a flood are mattresses. Almost all of your other belongings can be sanitized and saved, unless you don’t act quickly. The longer the water sits on your furniture, dishes, and pictures, the more irreversible damage will be done.

• You may not know what to do on your own. While you might think cleaning up after a flood is just renting a large fan and rewashing your clothes, there’s a lot more that goes into it. Following a flood, call in a professional cleaning company. Experts will know exactly what needs to be done in order to preserve your home and your belongings. Without their help, you could miss a vital step that results in further problems down the line. Responding quickly and calling in professionals could save you money and time in the future.

No matter what has caused the water damage in your home, it’s important to get moving as soon as possible. Don’t let more issues occur due to your failure to act. Know what to do for water removal and who to call as soon as you see flooding. Your home may depend on it.