3 Flood Safety Tips

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

Shut off the power right away

3 Flood Safety Tips

If your Carpentersville, IL, home has experienced a flood, the first thing on your mind will be how to get the conditions back to normal. Before the cleanup and restoration process begins, however, you should take steps to make sure everything is done safely. Read on to learn some flood safety steps for the cleanup process.

1. Turn Off Electricity

The first thing you should do is turn off all power to the flooded areas. If you can reach your breaker without walking through standing water, shut off power right away. If you can’t reach the breaker without walking through standing water, call an electrician to help you.

2. Remove Water

Mold can pose a flood safety issue, so the next thing to do is to get rid of as much water as possible. Open windows and doors to let the building air out. Use a dehumidifier and fan to speed up the process. Remove any rugs from the area and put them outside to dry.

3. Clean Up

Wear gloves, a face mask, and boots for the cleanup process in order to reduce exposure to chemicals or toxins. Dispose of any damaged items including papers, wall coverings, and carpeting. These items typically don’t last through significant flooding, but hard surfaces and clothes can often be cleaned.

An expert will have more knowledge about the best products to use to reduce the risk of mold or mildew, so it may be wise to contact a remediation expert in your area. In addition to knowledge, experts have access to tools, technology and additional safety tips.

Flooding from a storm is an unfortunate situation for any homeowner, but there are some flood safety steps you can take to move forward quickly. Turning off the power, airing out the area and cleaning up the immediate damage are all important first steps to getting your home back to normal.