Floods are a natural disaster with catastrophic results that can happen to anybody. Water comes in and tries to rise to the top through soil, causing massive water damage to anything in its path, whether it’s homes automobiles, businesses, or other structures. It’s a horrible and frightening thing to go through, but you don’t have to be victimized. There are steps you can take to make sure you minimize the damage caused by flood waters and stay safe from the danger of mold and mildew growth.
Steps To Clean Up Water Damage
- The first step in how to clean up flood damage is to stop the water flow.
- There are different ways of doing this, depending on where the water is coming from. If the water is coming from underground, then use a pump and sump pump to stop water from flowing downhill into the basement or house.
- Otherwise, remove as much water as possible and dry the area with fans, dehumidifiers, and portable fans. Be sure to turn off all power sources to prevent electric shock in case of an emergency water damage cleanup.
Commercial water damage cleanup can also be done by using dehumidifiers and fans in the affected rooms. If the flooding is in a workroom, the affected equipment should be taken out immediately and any water damage fabrications should be cleaned. Move everything out of the room and then call an expert to assist you. It’s important to keep the contaminated materials from contaminating the rest of the office or building, especially if they come in contact with food products. If you are unsure about how to safely clean up flood damage, you can contact your local water damage contractor.
How to Clean Up Flood Damage that has Occurred Outside?
When water seeps into a structure, it can cause moisture to build up, which will eventually cause damage. Cleaning up water damage should begin with de-mineralizing the area. Mineralization is done by removing all organic material, which may contain contaminants, from the water. An example of this would be dried leaves, branches and other organic matter in the water. This prevents water from penetrating the structure and causing structural damage. In order to help your business recover from water damage during construction, it’s crucial to follow guidelines for water damage cleanup.
How to Clean Up Flood Water Damage Indoors?
The same principles of de-mineralizing apply, but instead of cleaning with water, use a mild detergent. Use plastic sheeting to cover items not in use and place them in cabinets that can be closed without water being present. Drying the items is best done over a ventilated room, so place a fan in the area to speed drying. You can also place heavy blankets on the items to dry them out completely.
Deodorizing can also help in the water damage cleanup process. The most common causes of water damage are mold and mildew, so deodorizing the area will help prevent you from coming into contact with these. The odor is often strongest in the early stages of water damage, so keeping the area well-ventilated and free of the odor will help you. A strong disinfectant works best, but the smell will go away quickly once the water is gone. Other methods of water removal include washing with water, using fans, and using fans to blow air through the space.
Dealing Water Damages
Dealing with water damage is much more difficult than dealing with normal flooding. Water from rivers, springs and even ice dams poses special dangers and requires different techniques. If water is coming into an area where it is likely to cause structural damage, such as walls, floors or ceilings, then it is imperative that immediate action be taken. How to clean up flood water damage depends on the type and amount of water present. The sooner the water is removed from the site, the less likely it is to cause structural damage.
Once you have assessed the extent of water damage, know the extent of the water removal, and have started the water removal process, then it is time to address the insurance claims process. The insurance company will work with you to assess your damage and to make a determination about what, if any, additional steps you need to take. The insurance adjuster will let you know how to clean up flood water damage and will help you file any necessary insurance claims.