The weather in Dallas can change in the blink of an eye. That’s why protecting your home from storm, water and fire damage is important. In order to really guard yourself against mother nature’s worst then you need to understand the impacts of water damage and how you can protect your home. Here are 7 tips for water damage restoration.
1. Turn Off Electricity & Gas
If water has entered your home then the first thing you need to do is shut off all power and gas. This will prevent any further damages from happening. A short circuit or gas leak can cause a fire that can displace you and your family. Blocking any exposed power outlets is also a good idea to do. Find your home’s power breaker and gas meter to turn off the power and gas.
2. Circulate Clean Air
One thing that can be overlooked if water has entered your home is the quality of the air. Outside elements can bring in pollution with it. The best way to protect yourself against such elements is to wear a facemask when you’re inside. The second thing is to rent or purchase an industrial ventilation system. This will ensure a constant flow of clean air and ventilate any hazardous materials in the air that can compromise your health.
3. Isolate Affected Areas
Before you can begin the water damage restoration process you need to identify the affected areas. Once that is identified then you must isolate them so that it doesn’t spread to your home’s surroundings. Doing so will prevent damages and costly repairs that might be incurred. The best way to block off impacted areas is to use heavy objects so that it prevents from getting into other areas.
4. Dry Every Last Drop
Now that you’ve identified and isolated water-damaged areas it’s now time to start the cleanup process. You need to be aware of the three types of water that you might come across. The first is clear water, which is water that is not likely contaminated with other elements and can be easily cleaned up. The second is gray water, which is likely contaminated with water from your toilet, shower, dishwasher and other household appliances. The last type is black water, which is the most dangerous. Black water is contaminated with outside water like rivers, channels, lakes and other elements.
Be extremely cautious when entering an area contaminated with black water. Wearing water boots and suits is highly recommended. Use towels or an industrial water pump to clear the area.
5. Spray Areas With Disinfectants
When after drying a water contaminated area then immediately disinfect all surfaces. Water can leave bacteria and germs that can be cause sickness. Use personal protective equipment when spraying down areas.
6. Dispose & Replace Damaged Materials
Once you’ve cleared most of the water within your home then it’s time to do the heavy lifting. Remove any furniture and electronics that were damaged. Use personal protective equipment when handling these materials as they were contaminated with water damage. Separate the big items first then slowly work away around the house. Keep an eye out for any damaged wood flooring, stairs and drywall. Once all materials have been removed then replace them immediately.
7. Look Out For Mold
Be on the lookout for potential mold that could be lurking inside your home. Mold tends to be an aftereffect of water damage. It’s best to do this when removing damaged materials in the house because heavy objects will obstruct your view. Be sure to review your roof, walls, stairs, basement, attic and bathroom for any signs of mold. Letting mold grow can cost thousands in repairs and be unsafe for your health. Mold detection kits are also a good way to see if your home is impacted.
Follow these 7 tips for water damage restoration to protect your home from mother nature’s worst.
Hire The Right Clean Up Crew
If your home was impacted by water damage or a natural disaster then contact Supreme Restoration for the cleanup effort. It’s best to have the right team behind you!
Visit our website for a quote or call (678) 633-8118.