5 Water Damage Restoration Tips You Should Know
10/23/2021 (Permalink)
1. Disconnect Outlets
The first thing to do when you start to see water damage in your home is to unplug all electronics immediately. While you may not see the severe problem of water damage just yet, it’s important to be cautious around appliances. Using this equipment despite the situation could cause electrical shocks or even explosions.
2. Inspect Mold
Certain mold strains are toxic to humans and could pose some serious health risks. Most of the time, mold can spread quickly once it infests an area, so it would be best to inspect for growth to avoid any health hazards. For small issues, you can cut out the affected area, bag it, and dispose of it immediately. However, with serious mold infestations, it's best to call an expert as soon as you can
3. Dry Water Out
Before more damage occurs, you need to eliminate all moisture and dry out the affected areas. You can use a large-capacity dehumidifier or a fan to circulate air and dry out the wood, carpet, and any other surrounding materials. Although this won’t prevent mold growth altogether, properly drying out the area will help lessen the damage.
4. Remove Damaged Materials
If your absorbent materials, for example like carpet or insulation, are soaked with water, you need to dispose of them immediately to avoid mildew.
5. Disinfect Remaining Areas
Depending on the type of water you are dealing with, it can contain a lot of bacteria. The water could also encourage the growth of mold, so it is important to sanitize immediately. Spray and wipe down the surfaces with bleach so the mold spores don’t grow before you continue with the restoration process.
If you’re looking for assistance or believe the damage is beyond what you can handle, it’s always a good idea to leave water damage restoration to the professionals
Have questions? Call SERVPRO of Northridge (818) 993-9339