What to Avoid After a Flood

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

Keeping Yourself Safe During a Flood

In the midst of a storm, water can invade your home and cause considerable damage to your property in the form of flooding. However, your main priority should always be to keep yourself, your family members, and your pets to safety. Let the storm pass and when conditions are safe, you can return to assess the damage, and then begin the cleanup process. Below are some things you should not do when returning to the site of a flood:

Do Not Make Contact With the Water-

Floodwater can contain many different types of contaminants including bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and debris. Help protect your skin from harmful water by wearing rubber boots and gloves and keeping your hands and face from making contact with the water. If contact occurs despite your best efforts, wash immediately with soap and clean water.

Do Not Enter Standing Water-

After a flood, homes, yards, streets, and other areas can be covered in standing water. Powerful winds often accompany heavy storms, so it is not uncommon to find downed powerlines after a storm. Since water from a flood is usually murky, you cannot always tell what lies beneath the surface. If the water has been electrically charged, you could experience an electric shock if you enter a flooded home. Rubber boots will help protect against the risk of electrocution.

Do Not Let the Water Sit

The longer water sits, the more time bacteria have to multiply. When items are left to sit in water for long periods of time, the structural integrity of those items can begin to break down. The water should be safely extracted as soon as possible. By cleaning the water faster, you can help to lessen any water damage to your home. Since mold can begin forming in as little as 24 to 48 hours, it is important to begin the drying process as soon as the water has been extracted.

By following a few precautions, you can help keep yourself safe from the dangers of floodwater.

If you ever experience a flood or some type of water damage in Santa Maria, a professional restoration company like SERVPRO can help get your home back to its original condition- or better. Call us 24/7 at 805-922-5457 for a free assessment and quick help!