Emergency Water Cleanup? 3 Reasons To Avoid DIY Advice And Seek The Assistance Of A Pro

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Fix It To The Max Have you ever looked at a broken appliance and thought to yourself "I bet that can be fixed." If so, you need to make a call to a repairs specialist. Most things can be repaired — you just have to call the right person. There are repair professionals who focus on electronics, others who focus on home components like roofs and gutters, and still others who make repairs to home appliances, exclusively. Help is a phone call away. Even though someone else is doing the work, however, we do think it's important for you to know a bit about repairs and restoration. That's why we're providing helpful articles on this blog. Fix it to the max — we know you can!

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Watching floodwaters infiltrate your home and then rise swiftly to saturate your family's furnishings and favorite possessions is a devastating experience shared by thousands of families each year. Once the floodwaters begin to recede, homeowners often become impatient to start the cleanup process without considering professional options.

Unfortunately, most families do not have the tools, equipment, and skills to safely remove the remaining floodwater and begin the process of restoring the home to livable condition. Homeowners who are considering a DIY approach to clean up their flooded home can use the following information to help them understand the possible risks they may face by doing so. 

Electrical Safety Issues

The first consideration when entering any structure that has been damaged by water should always be electrical safety. Homeowners who plan to enter the structure should never do so without first verifying that the power is off to the affected areas of the home. Professional emergency flood cleanup services are trained to verify electrical power status and are equipped with generators and other equipment to ensure that they can effectively inspect and work within the damaged area without accessing the home's electrical supply. 

Water Quality Issues

While the initial source of floodwater may be relatively safe, such as precipitation, storm surge, or a nearby river, it is likely to be teeming with bacteria by the time it comes in contact with your home. During flooding, the rising water is likely to mix with sewage, animal excrement, garbage, and many other bacteria-laden sources as it flows. Even after the water recedes, bacteria left behind in stagnant water can grow exponentially and pose serious health risks to people or pets who are exposed to them. When emergency cleanup service crews arrive at a flooded home, they use protective gear to ensure that they can safely navigate the flood-damaged area without risk of contracting an illness or disease. 

Mold Issues

The potential for the development of mold within the flood-damaged portion of your home is another important reason to consider hiring a professional service to handle water damage cleanup after a flood. These skilled professionals have powerful pumps and special vacuums to remove moisture, as well as large fans, heaters, and negative pressure equipment capable of removing excess humidity and lessening the risk of mold growth. Once assured that the structure is clean and dry, professional water cleanup service technicians can take the additional step of applying special mold-retardant products to any surfaces that are at risk for the development of harmful mold. 

Arming yourself with good information is the best way to ensure that your family remains safe while your home undergoes restoration. Homeowners can learn more about the process by contacting a reputable emergency flood water cleanup service in their area as soon as possible after a damaging flood has occurred. 

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