Tips to Safely Re-enter Your Home after a Flood

Water damage is never convenient. Pipes never break when you’re standing next to the water shut-off valve. As a result, flash floods can consume your home within a matter of minutes. From burst pipes to natural flooding disasters, water inside a structure is never a good thing. Some leaks may just need to be dried out; others may need full reconstruction and mold remediation. Here are some safety measures to follow to re-enter your property after a flood.

Water Damage Restoration

• Floods can have many unforeseen hazards that only a professional will know to look for. It is our recommendation to call in an experienced water damage restoration company. They will ensure you are not in any immediate danger and the property is completely restored without future issues.
• No matter what time of day you discover water in your property or home, an on-call crew can come quickly to determine what needs to be done.
• Don’t work in or around any flood-damaged building until it has been examined and certified as safe for work by a qualified water damage restoration professional.
• There are several benefits to working with a restoration company. They will ensure worker safety during clean-up as well as work with your insurance company during the restoration process.

Food and Water Safety

• Consider how long your fridge and freezer have gone without electricity. Throw away any perishable food that has not been kept refrigerated due to a refrigerator not having power. Remember “when it doubt, throw it out.”
• Consider the safety of your drinking water. Contaminants from a flash flood or a burst pipe can affect your water supply.

Mold Growth and Remediation

• Mold thrives in damp environments. If flood or storm water has entered your home, dry it out as soon as possible to prevent mold. A good rule of thumb is that if you have had a flood, you will have mold.
• Mold remediation experts have been trained to detect mold long before most people are able to on their own. So, it is best to go ahead and bring in a professional.
• Mold can be dangerous to humans and cause health problems, so let the experts deal with it.
• You need to have your HVAC system cleaned by a professional before you turn it on. With a flood, the system could have mold in it. If you turn it on without a professional cleaning, the mold will spread through the building.

Utilities and Electrical Equipment Safety

• No matter how mild or severe the flooding is at your property, the safest course of action is to let a restoration company come check to see if your electrical system is safe. One of the most dangerous aspects of a flood is when electricity and water coincide.
• You will probably need to dry out all electrical equipment such as microwaves, lamps, refrigerators, computers, etc. Again, a commercial water damage company is your best resource for salvaging items and knowing what to throw out.
• In some cases, floods affect gas lines. If you suspect a leak, first go ahead and turn off the main gas valve immediately. Then call the gas company or fire department.
• If you are able to use your electricity, make sure to be safe. Wear rubber boots in standing water if you are operating a shop vacuum.

At Alpha-Omega Disaster Restoration, our team is dedicated to going above and beyond in every restoration job we perform. Whether you are a homeowner trying to make your house livable again or a business owner wishing to restart your operations as soon as possible, you can count on us to provide thorough, timely repair work that will minimize disruption to your daily routine.

Our work is backed by extensive IICRC certified expertise, a full selection of cutting edge tools, a five year workmanship warranty, and a commitment to accountability in everything we do. We even work directly with your insurance company, making the process smooth and hassle-free. Contact our emergency team today to get the help you need.