When water overflows temporarily onto land that is normally dry, it is called flooding. Flood damage usually refers to damage caused by water that intrudes onto the property after a natural disaster (like heavy rainfalls, hurricanes, or storms). Homes can sustain flood damage after sump pump failure, burst pipes, leaky roofs, or flash floods. Flooding can happen when a home does not have proper land grading or slope for stormwater to drain away from it. A storm control basin that overflows nearby can also cause home flooding.
Homeowners can purchase flood insurance policies. But, flood damage restoration will be necessary to ensure the area is clean, dry, and safe for occupants of a building. Flood restoration services can be hired to ensure a home is dried as soon as possible and cleaned. Be Happy Restoration Services provides flood restoration services in Lawson, TX, and surrounding areas.
What to do to dry a home after flood damage
1. Stay safe
Call emergency services if needed. Ensure family members or occupants of a flooded home or business are safe. The insurance company can be informed. Avoiding contact with floodwater is safer for occupants. But, if any exposure is anticipated, protective clothing must be used. Professional flood restoration technicians have protective devices they use when doing a flood cleanup. They use gloves, boots, protective eyewear, etc. Floodwater can have contaminants, chemicals, debris, etc., which can cause harm. Since flooded homes can have water-damaged electrical systems, no electrical appliances or devices must be used until a qualified electrician has assessed the safety. All food contaminated by flood water must be discarded.
2. Inspect and assess
The damage can be assessed with caution, and photos are taken to document it.
3. Stop flooding and remove water
If the water source has been identified, steps must be taken to stop it. When the source of the water flooding the home is cut off, water must be removed. Several methods are used to remove water depending on the amount of water flooding the home. Buckets or hoses may drain flood water away from the home. When the water level is low, a wet vacuum can remove moisture from carpets and flooring. Professionals use heavy-duty pumps to remove large amounts of standing water.
4. Drying
Once water is removed, the dampness or moisture in the house needs to be dried. If this is not done thoroughly enough, mold growth can occur. It is also an ideal breeding ground for other pathogens in the floodwater.
Keeping windows open if there is sunlight, allowing air to circulate, and switching on fans help to a certain extent. Flood restoration services have high-grade dehumidifiers and vacuums that ensure quick and thorough drying.
5. Cleaning
A professional cleanup will help to segregate the irreversibly damaged from salvageable objects in completely good condition. Cleaning with chemicals disinfects the surfaces and minimizes the risk of mold growth to a certain extent.
While homeowners may want to try DIY measures for flood cleanup, it is important to remember that flooding is severe water damage. The amount of water, the highly contaminated flood water, and the other damages can make it complex. A professional flood restoration service like Be Happy Restoration Services in Lawson, TX, provides emergency flood restoration services. The personnel at this company works with customers and keeps them informed of all the progress. This flood damage restoration provider is committed to offering the best service and causing minimum disruption to the lives of those affected by flood damage. Residents of Lawson, TX, can contact Be Happy Restoration Services for flood restoration services by dialing the number (214) 616-9951.