Missteps to Avoid Following a Flood

4/8/2022 (Permalink)

Avoid Storm Damage in your Roanoke Rapids, NC Property.

Flood water should not be taken lightly.

As hurricane season approaches, we’re thinking about flooding again. Flood water in your home can have long-lasting impacts on your home and life. Even minor flooding causes damage, while severe flooding can destroy your home and harm you.

If you’ve ever experienced a flood, you know it’s important to take the proper steps to deal with the outcome. Taking the wrong steps could lead to more damage and heightened costs. Here are some helpful hints to prevent you from making a misstep following flooding in your home.

Don’t Wear the Wrong Clothing

If flood waters invaded your home, DO NOT go back in until you’re sure it’s safe to do so. Once you get into your home, inspect the damage. Visit every room in your home and note where the damage is most significant. And while you’re doing this, make sure you are wearing the proper protective clothing and gear, these include: 

• latex gloves
• knee-high rubber boots
• disposable N-95 face mask

Stay out of the Water

As you inspect the water damage you should avoid any standing water. You often will not be able to see if you are stepping on to a hidden danger when you’re in flood water. It can, and likely will, contain bacteria, microbes and other harmful substances including sewage. If flooding was more severe, there is also a strong potential for electric shock. 

Keep Your Face and Hands Away

Flood water very likely contains black water. This is water that has mixed with sewage. It could urine and feces from sewers or overflowing toilets. If you let this come in contact with your skin, you could get very ill. Or worse, if you ingest this water, it could be fatal. Note, you DO NOT want this water to touch any part of your exposed skin.

Don’t Wait on Cleanup

Results of flood water could be destructive, so there’s a tendency for you to want to start cleaning up immediately. The better plan is to assess the situation, contact your insurance company and then contact a restoration company like SERVPRO of Roanoke Rapids, NC to help you with the cleanup. We’re available 24/7 to answer any questions or to come to your rescue.