Water damage, whether it is from an internal broken pipe or external flooding, must be addressed immediately to prevent additional damage and to prevent mold growth. As soon as you have contacted a reputable restoration team, work quickly while you wait for help to arrive.
Disconnect the power. If only one area is affected, use the breaker box. If the flood is extensive, cut the power to the house while you inspect. If it is dry, walk through the home, unplugging any electronics.
Remove furniture and other movable items. Concentrate on valuable, expensive things that you can save. The faster you get items out, the more likely you’ll be able to salvage them. Is there a dry, sunny carport or driveway available to air out your belongings? Sunshine and fresh air kill mold spores.
Get rid of the water. Is it a limited area? Use some elbow grease; grab old towels, buckets and mops to soak up as much as possible. A wet/dry vacuum can be used if you have power. However, most units can only hold 4 or 5 gallons so professional equipment is needed for large spills. As long as street sewers in your neighborhood aren’t backed up, you can pour the liquid down the drain. Otherwise, pour onto your lawn or other permeable surfaces.
Dry out the affected area. After removing the standing water, use your fans and dehumidifiers to help dry out the area. If it is not raining, open windows to allow for air circulation while you wait for the service team with their large-scale air moving equipment.
Disinfect. Any salvageable items will need to be disinfected to prevent mold growth. Ask the restoration team for advice, they will be a great resource to determine when to use bleach or other cleaners.
Dispose of damaged items responsibly. You will be tempted to throw everything into a dumpster: out of sight, out of mind. But organizing damaged goods into piles of salvageable items, certain trash, and recyclables you will help alleviate the pressure local landfill sites.
Water damage can cause significant damage to your home, so hire a team with the training, experience, and equipment to properly and quickly extract and thoroughly dry your property following a flood. Depending on the source of the water, additional steps may be necessary to remove potentially harmful contaminants from your property to ensure it is safe. Here are some potential steps professional restoration companies like Stretch Cleaning may complete.
Stretch Cleaning is dedicated to quality, honest and dependable service plus peace of mind. After the disruption in your home, find a partner you can rely on. Choose a water damage restoration team that is fully insured and bonded. Ask if the full-time employees go through background checks and drug testing. Recognize the quality standard of the IICRC (The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certification.
Stretch Cleaning & Restoration has served the Long Beach Township, New Jersey area for over 20 years. Contact them at 609-361-2400, lbi@stretchcleaning.com or stretchcleaning.com
