You can take several steps immediately after a flood to reduce the water in your home. First of all, open all the windows and doors. Make use of fans and dehumidifiers. You can also run your central heating system to keep the temperature in your home comfortable and prevent mold growth. If you find standing water, use a sump pump or wet dry shop vac to remove it from the floors.
Precautions to take after a flood
Taking proper precautions after a flood will prevent you from dealing with the effects of water damage. It would help if you took special care when handling flood-damaged household goods. Some household materials can be salvaged from the flood, such as insulation material. However, if your furniture is made of high-quality wood or particleboard, you should clean and disinfect it.
Clear, gray, and black water damage
Before cleaning up your flood-damaged home, it’s essential to understand the differences between clear, gray, and black water. Clearwater is relatively clean, while gray and black water contains a variety of contaminants. The most common culprits of gray water damage include sewage waste, grease runoff, and laundry water. In some cases, gray water contains pathogens and bacteria that can cause illnesses and upset stomachs.
If you discover black water damage, the most crucial step you can take is to wear gloves. When you come in contact with the water, you can pass on the bacteria or germs on your hands. If you touch your skin with black water, this will contaminate surfaces and cause serious wound infections. When in doubt, you should also immediately wash your skin and avoid going near the water-affected areas. It would help if you closed the doors to the rest of the house and shut down any air vents.
Remediation options
Having your home inspected by a Flood Damage Remediation Technician is a good idea after a flood. During the evaluation, they will take measurements with moisture meters and hygrometers. The moisture meter will indicate whether the water has stopped in the main area or has gone underneath a wall. They will also tell you what equipment is needed to complete the job.
When water is found, the priority is to stop the leak and contact a professional. It will help the restoration process go as smoothly as possible and prevent additional water damage. It is also essential to hire a professional to ensure that the home has no moisture problems, which can lead to further damage. Once a water damage restoration professional has been contacted, the insurance company will dispatch a qualified adjuster to assess the damages and assist with the cleanup.
Protective gear
These items depend on the task at hand, as experts best use some gears. Besides being a safety hazard, flood waters can also be hazardous to human health, so you should wear personal protective gear whenever you’re in flooded areas. It includes rubber gloves, waterproof clothing, and boots. It is also a good idea to wear a face mask, such as an N95 one, if you want to be as safe as possible. Despite its obvious danger, standing water can quickly become a health hazard, so it’s essential to wear protective gear when entering a flooded basement suite or a flood-ravaged building.
Depending on the task, the level of water damage, and the hazards on the site, your PPE may vary. Occupational health and safety regulations require that you use appropriate PPE and safety gear for flood cleanup.
Documenting the damage
If you are dealing with a flood, documenting water damage is one of the most critical steps you need to take. Document each item damaged by the water, including any standing water. Take pictures and draw descriptions of any damage you’ve noticed. It is essential to document the extent of any water damage to file a water damage claim with your insurance company. You’ll be able to show the adjuster if something wasn’t accounted for, and you’ll be able to rebut any claim you make that wasn’t accounted for.
Once you’ve taken photographs and video footage of the damage, and document everything, you’ll also need to contact nationalrestorationnetwork.com.au/sydney-water-damage and record serial numbers of large appliances. You may want to work with a lawyer to help you document your losses, and a flood lawyer will help you fill out the appropriate Proof of Loss forms and collect the necessary paperwork. It would help if you documented everything as soon as possible, and you’ll need it later.
