Coming home from vacation to a flooded home because of a plumbing failure, burst pipe or having severe weather cause flooding in your home is never expected or appreciated. You may have an emergency plan in place for a variety of situations, but flood damage may not be one of the things you’ve planned for. Since it can happen without notice, it is a good idea to get a few facts in mind so that you can better deal with flood damage if it happens to you. Here are some important things to know:
• Flood damage can worsen if not resolved in a timely manner. One of the main building materials in your home is the drywall, and most types are extremely porous and will act like a sponge when your home is flooded. The longer the time is before the water is extricated, the more drywall will need to be removed and replaced. In addition, it only takes mold 24 to 48 hours to begin growing, so you could be facing mold remediation costs on top of flood damage if you don’t get the water removed and get the dehumidification & drying process handled in a timely manner.
• Flood damage affects the electrical system in many cases. The power outlets in your home are near to the floor, and you may even have some in the floor. Once the wires become waterlogged, it is not safe to use any power in your home until they can be checked and quite likely replaced, as they can become corroded rather easily.
• Some contents can be salvageable. While not all flood damage restoration companies have experience with contents restoration, be sure to seek one out if you have items you would like to save, if possible.
• Do not enter a flooded home without taking precautions. Before you enter your previously flooded home, take a few minutes to look online for safety protocols or reach out to a flood damage professional. A flooded home can be very dangerous.
If you have experienced flood damage in the Carolinas, give us a call at Emergency Restoration Xperts (ERX). We offer comprehensive flood damage services, including emergency response, dehumidification & drying, contents restoration, and the construction & repairs to get your home back to pre-loss condition. Our certified technicians use the best methods and equipment to resolve your flood damage and get your life back to normal.
