There are many ways flood damage can affect your home or business. Whether you are in an area known to have flooding or a flood has occurred recently, You can do some things to prevent damage and clean up after the storm.

Dealing With The After-Effects

The aftermath of a flood can be a stressful experience for many people. Some may experience grief and sadness, while others are prone to anxiety and depression. During this crisis, taking the appropriate steps to ensure you and your family remain safe is essential.

One of the first steps to dealing with the after-effects of a flood is to secure your property. If you have flood insurance, you can expect your insurer to help. You should also contact a professional water damage restoration company for assistance.

It is essential to understand that flooding can cause significant damage to your home or business. This can be particularly damaging if you have valuable machinery or other assets that cannot be replaced. A water damage restoration company can help restore your property to its original condition.

Before you begin the cleanup process, you should turn off the main electrical supply to your home. This will minimize the risk of an electric shock. Also, you should turn off the gas line.

You should also inspect your possessions for signs of flood damage brunswick and clean out any floodwater. Floodwater can contain harmful chemicals, sewage, and debris that can contaminate your food and drinking water.

Another essential step to take is to record your damages. This can include pictures of your property and a list of what was lost.

Preventing Flooding

You should make the necessary preparations if you reside in an area where floods occur frequently. You can install a flood control system and take a few other measures to minimize flood damage to your home. However, unexpected storms can cause extensive flooding even with the best preparations.

Elevating your belongings above the flood level is one of the simplest ways to safeguard them. In fact, elevating appliances and electrical equipment can prevent significant damage from water.

To make this easier, consider installing a sump pump. This will allow you to quickly drain excess water from your basement. It will also draw groundwater away from your home, preventing any damage from flooding.

While at it, move those washers and dryers to higher floors. Also, store your valuables in a waterproof container. The same goes for essential documents.

Consider putting in backwater prevention valves. These will keep sewage from backing up into your sewer lines.

Another critical piece of flood prevention is to seal the house. Sealing cracks and holes around pipes and windows can prevent more water from entering your home.

Another piece of flooding prevention is to elevate your refrigerator above the flood level. Installing a pedestal to elevate your appliance off the floor is still an option, even if there isn’t room for a second story.

Cleaning Up After a Flood

Flooded homes and buildings can cause a variety of damage. While some damage is easy to fix, the cleanup process can be more complicated. It may be necessary to hire professional help.

Children and pets must be kept out of the area during the cleanup. This is particularly important if the flood water contains contaminants. You should also wear protective clothing and safety gear to protect your body from contaminated materials.

If you have a dehumidifier or air conditioner, you can use it to help dry out the damaged areas. However, you should avoid using a washing machine or dryer if possible.

Mold spores can be found in standing water, so it’s best to dry the area quickly. Use fans to circulate the air and encourage ventilation.

It would be best if you disposed of any items that have been sitting in floodwater for more than 48 hours. Furniture and upholstered items are excellent places for mold to grow. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends wearing long pants and gloves to prevent mold exposure.

When cleaning up, it would be best to use a 10% bleach solution to kill bacteria and other microorganisms. This solution can be mixed with water and applied with a sprayer. Do not let the mixture flow into pools or overflow.