Many people mistakenly believe that they never have to worry about flooding if they don’t live in a low-lying area or near a body of water. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Floods are caused by more than storm surges and heavy rains. They can also occur when sewage systems back up, or they can be caused by a pipe burst. 

No matter the cause of the water damage, it’s important to understand how to handle a flooded home. It’s recommended that homeowners keep the following flood cleaning tips in mind so that they can be better prepared when disaster strikes. 

Take Proper Safety Measures

First and foremost, homeowners should always ensure the safety of themselves and their families. When floods are caused by something as horrific as a storm or other natural disaster, debris and strong currents can be life-threatening hazards. Before any cleanup is attempted, homeowners should seek a safe shelter. 

Even in less dramatic floods, there are still many risks to consider. Homeowners should attempt to shut off all utilities if they are able to do so safely. Where high-water levels touch appliances and outlets, there is an electrical shock risk. Sewage backups add another layer of safety to consider. The proper clothing and protective gear should be worn when dealing with biohazards and other contaminants. 

Contact a Water Damage Company

Once homeowners have taken the proper precautions to ensure their safety, the first phone call should be made to a professional water damage restoration company. This is one of the most important flood cleaning tips because these crews have the special training and tools to tackle these challenges.

It’s critical that homeowners select restoration experts who are available 24/7. Floods can happen at any hour, and time is always the biggest enemy when dealing with flood cleanup. Professionals who offer emergency response can come to the home, assess the damage, and stop the source. All of this is done in a safe and efficient manner that homeowners often can’t handle on their own. 

Remove the Standing Water

Whether a water damage restoration crew was hired or not, it’s imperative that all standing water be removed as quickly as possible. Otherwise, homes could be left with secondary water damage issues, such as rot, warping, and mold. Unfortunately, most homeowners do not have the equipment to handle large volumes of water associated with flooding. 

That’s where the professionals make a huge difference. They have access to industrial-grade sump pumps and wet/dry vacuums that can efficiently eliminate flood water.

Remove Contents and Restore When Possible

Once the water has been removed, it’s important to remove the household contents that have been affected. One of the best flood cleaning tips is to let the experts handle this process, as well. They can take care of all of the heavy lifting and identify which items are salvageable. From there, they can help you get rid of items damaged beyond repair. 

Thoroughly Dry the Affected Area

Even after the standing water has been extracted, the process of removing moisture is not over. It’s crucial that the home be dried completely to prevent mold growth. This part of the flood cleaning process can be one of the most tedious as it could take a few hours or several days to remove all of the moisture from the walls, flooring, and air. Working with a team of restoration specialists can expedite the process because they use commercial fans and dehumidifiers. 

Do an Inspection to Check for Mold

After the experts have taken the time to completely dry and restore a home, they should take one final walkthrough to check for any signs of mold or other issues they might have missed. It’s not recommended that homeowners try to skip or DIY this step, however. The right team of professionals will know the areas they should focus on more. They also have the right tools to measure moisture levels in the home. 

Learn More About Flood Cleaning Tips to Prepare for Emergencies

When dealing with a disaster like water damage, it never hurts to have flood cleaning tips in your back pocket. If you would like to learn more about how to clean and restore your home after flooding, we strongly encourage you to reach out to The Homestar Group. 

Our professionals are available 24/7, so you can always count on us to handle your emergency situations. Call us at (678) 928-5377 to reach out to our highly trained specialists. You can also reach us by submitting our online form to request a free quote for less urgent matters.