The Dos and Don'ts of Flood Damage – SERVPRO’s Expert Water Damage Repair and Restoration Services

9/26/2024 (Permalink)

Flooding can happen in the blink of an eye—whether it’s from a severe storm, broken pipe, or overflowing appliance. Floodwater can cause extensive damage to your home or business, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take next. That’s where SERVPRO of South Fleming Island/North Bradford County comes in. We're Here to Help® with expert water damage repair and restoration services, but knowing how to respond immediately after a flood can minimize damage and ensure a smoother restoration process.

What to Do After a Flood

Taking the right steps right after a flood can make a big difference. Here are the essential dos when dealing with flood damage:

1. Ensure Safety First

Before re-entering your home or business, make sure it’s safe. Turn off electricity and gas to avoid the risk of electrical shock or gas leaks. Floodwater can also contain contaminants, so avoid direct contact until professionals assess the situation.

2. Contact SERVPRO® Right Away

Time is critical when it comes to water damage. The sooner our team can begin the restoration process, the more damage we can prevent. We’re available 24/7 and will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and start the drying process.

3. Document the Damage

Before removing any items or starting any cleanup efforts, take photos and videos of the flood damage for insurance purposes. Proper documentation will help with your insurance claim.

4. Remove Excess Water (If Safe)

If you can do so safely, begin removing standing water using mops, towels, or a wet/dry vacuum. However, if the water level is too high or contains sewage or chemicals, it’s best to leave the cleanup to the professionals.

5. Elevate Furniture and Belongings

Move valuable items, furniture, and electronics to a dry area to prevent further damage. Prop up wet furniture cushions and remove rugs or other items that could stain the floor. If possible, place wood blocks or aluminum foil under furniture legs to avoid soaking.

6. Ventilate the Area

Open windows and doors to improve air circulation, which can help reduce moisture levels. You can also run fans or dehumidifiers to start the drying process—but remember, SERVPRO has the industrial-grade equipment necessary for thorough drying.

What NOT to Do After a Flood

While it’s tempting to jump in and start cleaning right away, there are certain actions you should avoid to prevent making the damage worse. Here’s what not to do after a flood:

1. Don’t Enter Rooms With Standing Water and Electricity

If any electrical outlets, cords, or appliances are submerged in water, do not enter the area. Wait for a professional to confirm that the power is turned off to avoid the risk of electrical shock.

2. Don’t Use Household Cleaning Equipment

Using regular vacuums or fans for water removal can spread contaminants or cause electrical damage. SERVPRO has specialized equipment for water extraction and drying to ensure the job is done right.

3. Don’t Leave Wet Items in Place

Leaving wet items like rugs, upholstery, or furniture in place will cause mold to grow. If you can’t move them safely, wait for the SERVPRO team to remove and treat them appropriately.

4. Don’t Try to Clean Up Sewage

If your flooding involves sewage backup, don’t attempt to clean it yourself. Sewage is dangerous and can carry bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Call SERVPRO immediately, as we have the expertise and equipment to safely handle biohazard cleanup.

5. Don’t Delay in Calling for Help

Water damage can quickly escalate into bigger problems like mold growth and structural damage. Delaying cleanup even by a few hours can make restoration more difficult and costly.

How SERVPRO of South Fleming Island/North Bradford County Can Help

At SERVPRO, we’re experts in water damage repair and restoration, and we’re here to help you recover from flood damage as quickly and efficiently as possible. Here’s how we handle the process:

1. Emergency Response

We respond to your call 24/7, providing immediate action to assess the situation and stop further water damage.

2. Water Extraction

Using advanced equipment like submersible pumps and industrial-grade wet/dry vacuums, we remove all standing water from your home or business. Our water extraction process ensures no moisture is left behind, reducing the risk of mold.

3. Drying and Dehumidification

We use high-speed air movers, dehumidifiers, and specialized drying equipment to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Our moisture monitoring tools help us ensure your property is thoroughly dry.

4. Cleaning and Sanitization

Floodwater can introduce bacteria, debris, and contaminants into your home. We clean, sanitize, and deodorize affected areas using industry-leading cleaning techniques and products to restore a safe environment.

5. Mold Remediation

If mold has begun to develop, we take immediate action to contain the growth and remediate the affected areas. 

6. Reconstruction and Repairs

Whether your home needs minor repairs like drywall replacement or full reconstruction, our skilled technicians are equipped to handle every aspect of the restoration process, bringing your property back to its pre-flood condition.

Trust SERVPRO to Help You Recover from Flood Damage

When flood damage strikes, quick action is key. SERVPRO of South Fleming Island/North Bradford County is your trusted partner in water damage repair and restoration. Our team is trained, certified, and ready to help you recover from any flood disaster, big or small.