Things to Avoid After Significant Flooding

2/15/2020 (Permalink)

Professional mitigation and restoration companies are ready and willing to help return your home to normal.

Whether flooding is caused by a broken pipe or a backed-up sewer, you must take certain precautions before entering the affected area. The potential risks are likely the reason that most insurers and homeowners prefer professional mitigation companies in Doylestown, PA, perform the property assessment, walk-through and cleanup. However, if you insist on entering the affected space, then there are a few things you should know to avoid.

Standing water
Electricity
Disturbances

Standing Water
Standing water in home can come from a variety of sources, and not all of them are sanitary or safe for you to touch. For example, while away on vacation, it is possible that your sewer backed-up into your basement. This water is considered black water, and it should be avoided at all costs. However, even water that stems from a clean source can become contaminated if left to stand for some time.

Electricity
Next, while you might have noticed a broken pipe soon after the break and stopped the water before flooding was too bad, you don't know if electrical outlets, appliances or plugs were compromised. Therefore, before you walk into a flooded area, make sure that the power to that space is turned off. If you cannot reach the breaker box to turn the power off safely, then wait for a professional to assist you.

Disturbances
Flooding and floodwater might stem from contaminated sources or evolve into such sources themselves. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the number of surface disturbances of the water. Harmful bacteria can transfer from the water to the air and the skin if not careful. Also, reduce movement of objects that might be contaminated with mold, as slight movement can cause mold spores to spread.

A broken pipe or backed-up sewer can lead to extensive in-home flooding. While the initial damage might seem manageable, know that there are things you should avoid. Professional mitigation and restoration companies are ready and willing to help return your home to normal.