You may feel frantic after experiencing flood damage. Now you do not know what to do next to restore the area. If this is the case, then it is for you.
As a water damage restoration services provider, we understand that the basic knowledge of these aspects is necessary for all residential or commercial property owners. That is why today, we are going to outline the steps that you should take to reduce the risk of flood damage.
Before that, please read these categories of water. IICRC categorized the damage based on the source and severity of water damage.
Types of sewage cleanup water
Category 1: Clean Water
Freshwater damage is easier to clean and takes less time to sanitise the surface. You can reuse the water.Category 2: Grey Water
Washing machine malfunctions, toilet, dishwasher overflows are some of the sources of greywater. As the name suggests, it consists of grey materials that are harmful to human health.Category 3: Black Water
It is the worst form of water. Septic tank bursts, city sewer backup, floods due to natural calamities are some of the sources of black water. It contains harmful chemicals, germs and gases. Minimum exposure to the gasses may lead to unconsciousness and even death. It would be best if you had a sewage cleanup expert team to handle the situation.Steps to Minimise Water Damage
Here are a few steps that you should follow to avoid flood damage.Switch off Utility Supply
Please be careful about the electricity supply, especially after natural disasters. It is the very first recommended step for water damage restoration. If you reach your breaker box without risking yourself, then switch off the electricity first. After that, you or hired experts can restore the property without jeopardizing lives.Remove Excess Water
After disconnecting the utility supply, you should remove excess water from the area. It is a tough task, and you need equipment. Here sump pumps or vacuums could be of great help. If it is not a natural disaster, blocking/fixing the source of water should be the second priority after switching off the electricity supply. The sooner you block the water flow, the sooner you can start the restoration process.Save Valuable Items
Now you should start removing the important documents, furniture and other personal belongings. The items you cannot save should be reported to the insurance company so that you will get compensation for the lost items.Take Records of Damages
We are not very happy to tell you that you need to take pictures of the damages. It helps in your insurance claims. If you hire professionals, they will guide you to take important images and videos to document the damage. It works as evidence and enhances the payout process.Dry the Area
Drying the area takes time. Even professionals know that it takes between three days to three weeks, though it depends on the severity of the damage. Please use fans, blowers to dry the area properly. Do not forget to open all the doors and windows of the rooms for better air circulation.Sanitisation and Cleaning
Sanitization is one of the important tasks in the sewage cleanup process, and professionals should do it. Still, you can clean the area with fresh water if you want. After that, prepare a formula of 3 spoons of bleach and one gallon of water, and clean the area with it.Important Advice from Water Damage Restoration Services Professionals
As a private property owner, you should have smooth commercial water damage restoration planning for your property. Our professional teams suggest these safety tips to our clients.- Please use protective gear such as glasses, rubber gloves, masks, and boots for safety purposes.
- Do not try to clean black or grey water without protective gear.
- Please keep your family members safe and move your kids and pets to a safer place at your neighbor’s
- Advise your family members to use sanitizers and masks while the restoration process is in progress.