As we all know, Texas is in the middle of a natural disaster of historic proportions. After the storms calm and the flood waters recede, there will be a lot of restoration ahead for the residents of Southeast Texas. The aftermath of a flood is a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. If you’ve been having water damage basement problems then you need to keep an eye out for mold. Try and catch it early and you should be able to get rid of it! It’s really important to begin the cleanup process as soon as possible.
FEMA has a detailed page with instructions on how to begin clean up after a flood. Not all of us will face a natural disaster, but it is highly likely that sometime during our lives we will encounter water damage. The most important step in recovering things after they have been damaged by water is moving quickly. The longer the water sits, the more damage it can do. That’s why getting in someone like Water Damage Restoration of Austin to handle the aftermath as soon as possible could make all the difference when it comes to addressing the situation before it worsens.
First, it is important to document the damage for insurance purposes. Take plenty of pictures from all angles before and after clean up.
Then, it is necessary to be prepared. If the water can possibly be contaminated, make sure to wear protective gear. Turn off all electricity to the house to avoid electrical shock. Open doors and windows to help begin drying out and for ventilation, and make sure to check for dangerous damage such as cracks in the flooring or foundation. If there are cracks to the flooring and foundation, you may want to call out a professional from Water Damage Mentor to come and inspect the water damage.
After you have prepared, the first step is to remove the water. This can be done with a wet vac or manually by sweeping the water out of the home. According to FEMA, “Basements should be pumped out slowly, about one-third of the water each day. Water soaked grounds can cause a collapse of basement walls.” After you have removed the water, it is vital to remove mud or dirt before it dries. Then, cut out all sheet rock four inches above the highest water marks.
Once the water has been cleaned up, remove all effected items and either destroy them or dry and sanitize them. You can refer to FEMA’s instructions for more specific instructions on what is safe to keep and what should be dumped. Those with porous surfaces such as wood, sheet rock, and upholstered items cannot be properly sanitized and should be disposed of properly. Once the clean up is complete, you can start making repairs to your home. If you have wood in your roof, it could be subject to rot if it has gotten wet. You may wish to contact an austin roofing company to come and assess the damage. The case is similar with window and door frames; if they are made from wood, then make sure you have your property fully inspected for water damage.
Our hope is that you never have to face a flood or water damage of any type, but if you do we hope you feel more prepared to quickly and effectively begin clean up to salvage as much of your personal property as possible.