While the coming of spring is particularly welcome this year, after one of the most extreme winters in recent history, it will certainly offer up some challenges of its own. Melting snow, sometimes from hundreds of miles away, will join with heavy spring rains to test the limits of our rivers and lakes. If our luck is good, we might escape with minimal flooding. More than likely, however, we can expect the rising water to over top river banks and levees, leaving flood damage in its wake.
Often the best way to handle these situations is to take all precautions possible to safeguard our families and property, and then educate ourselves on the best available options for flood damage cleanup MN.
The Hidden Dangers Of Flood Water
When people see rising water, a normal reaction is to worry only about the damage the water is capable of doing. While understandable, this thought process can be a dangerous one.
Flood water does more than overturn furniture and ruin carpeting. It also carries with it the potential to cause illness, or even death. Flooded water purification and sewage disposal plants add thousands of gallons of contaminated water to the mix. Combined with bacteria gathered from other sources, flood waters can become very toxic to people, pets and wildlife.
After The Water Recedes
Once the water begins to recede, our attention turns to recovery. Because the flood water has the potential to expose us to health risks, long after the water dries, professional flood damage repair MN is recommended.
Homes and basements that experience flooding are prime candidates for an explosion of mold growth. Because mold grows best in hidden areas, the occupants of a mold infested home may not realize what is making them sick for months, or even years.
Even though the flooded areas of the home were thoroughly dried, cleaned, repainted and re-carpeted, mold may continue to flourish in hidden areas of walls, vents and crawl spaces if the cleanup is improperly handled.
Flooding Is Not The Only Problem
Although most news stories focus only on sensational pictures of homes floating near flooded rivers, severe spring storms can also cause water to invade and damage homes in other ways. Tornadoes, hail and high winds can rip off roofs, blow out windows or cause trees to fall, damaging the outer shell of a home and allowing water to infiltrate. Unless appropriate storm damage repair measures are taken, these homes are also prime candidates for the development of mold.
Contact us today for a free estimate on flood damage cleanup!
Protecting Your Family
Communications – With modern weather and communications technology, most instances of flooding are now predicted with relative accuracy. However, since power outages can be common during times of flooding, families should take advantage of battery or hand-crank operated weather radios to stay abreast of local conditions. Keep cell phones charged, and keep a car-charger in the vehicle, for emergency use.
Contact – Take steps before flood season to come up with an emergency plan, and make sure all family members are informed. Establish a meeting place on high ground, and keep emergency food, water, blankets, medicines and cash available to grab quickly, if evacuation becomes necessary.
If any family members require medical support, make appropriate arrangements for their care in the event of a flood or storm. Program emergency numbers into cell phones, to avoid confusion during a crisis.
Before Flood Waters Arrive – When local officials broadcast that flooding will indeed occur, there are many things that can be done to minimize the damage in the hours before the water arrives.
Shut off gas lines going into the home. Shut down the main electrical circuit breaker, and turn off the water supply.
Use sandbags to help keep water from seeping under doors, or flooding low areas around your property. Store valuables, furniture and personal possessions in the highest rooms of the home, or in the attic, if possible.
Be Safe – Remember that no matter how much you love your home, or your possessions, they are just things. When preparing for an eminent flood or cleaning up afterwards, never risk your safety or that of your family. Professional repair and cleanup companies understand the business of flood damage cleanup and how to deal with other issues, including mold.
Contact All American Restoration to help with insurance claims and restore your home to the previous condition.