How to Clean Up After a Flood: Expert Tips from a Professional Restoration Company

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clean up after a flood If there is one thing every homeowner dreads, it is a flood. No matter what the cause of a home flood is, be it a natural disaster or plumbing issue, the aftermath and cleanup can feel daunting and stressful. A prompt response is essential in minimizing damage and preventing further complications like mold growth, rot, and other issues. But, most homeowners have no idea where to start when cleaning up after a flood. For this reason, if you experience a flood, it is extremely beneficial to hire a professional restoration company that has the expertise to properly and quickly clean up after a flood. Below, we take a look at some best practices and strategies for cleaning up after a flood.

How to Clean Up After a Flood:

  • Ensure Safety:
    • Before you enter a flooded area, it is important that you make sure it is safe to do so. First, turn off the main power supply if there is a risk of electrical hazards. Also, you should wear appropriate protective gear such as rubber gloves and boots to avoid contact with contaminated water. Once it is safe to enter, you should ideally contact a professional restoration company to initiate the cleanup process because they have the necessary tools, equipment, and knowledge to properly remove any remaining water and mitigate the damage.
  • Extract Water and Dry the Area:
    • Professional restoration companies have advanced equipment designed specifically for extracting water from various types of flooring, including hardwood, Pergo, and laminate. This high-tech equipment ensures that water is efficiently and, most importantly, thoroughly removed. Then, high-velocity airflow is directed into the affected area to dry everything from the bottom up, preventing cupping and warping of hardwood floors.
  • Ensure Structural Drying:
    • Structural drying must be thorough to prevent long-term damage and mold growth. A professional restoration company will use industrial-grade fans and dehumidifiers to eliminate excess moisture from walls, floors, and other structural elements. This step should not be overlooked because it significantly reduces the risk of mold, mildew, and rot from developing which are some of the last things you want to deal with in your home because they are costly, frustrating, and dangerous.
  • Address Sewage Contamination:
    • When flooding includes sewage contamination, it certainly complicates the cleanup process but a professional restoration company is equipped to handle the cleanup safely. They use special techniques as well as strong disinfectants to eliminate harmful pathogens that are often found in sewage-contaminated water so that the affected area is thoroughly sanitized.
  • Insurance Assistance:
    • Dealing with insurance claims can be overwhelming, especially after a flood. A reliable restoration company can assist you with the insurance claim process, providing documentation, photographs, and detailed reports to support your claim and help expedite the settlement.
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