When your home has been flooded or has water damage due to a flood, you will be ready to start cleaning up to repair the damage. Before you start cleaning up the mess and restoring your home, you will want to be aware of the potential hazards that come with floodwaters in your home. The following hazards are some of the things that you want to be aware of when cleaning up and doing repairs after your home has been flooded:
Dangers of Utility Services Damage During A Flood
Utility services pose the biggest hazard after a flood. The first thing that you will want to do is make sure the electricity is turned off. If you have gas service and smell a leak, contact the emergency services and leave your home until it is fixed. In addition, be careful around sewage that can get into your home after a flood, which poses a health hazard.
Debris That Could Cause Injury When Cleaning Up Flood Damage
Sometimes, the flooding that was caused by a severe storm also causes other damage. This means that there may be debris from damage in flood waters. Be aware of debris that is loose or floating in water, and try to avoid it. If there is large debris from sources like fallen trees and severe damage to your home, get professional help to remove the debris safely and begin cleaning up the mess.
Different Sources of Contamination That Cause Health Hazards in Floodwaters
There are many different sources of contamination that can get into your home due to flooding. The problem can come from chemicals that are in nearby businesses, or it can come from chemicals like gasoline and other cleaning chemicals or sources from around your home. It is important to wear safety clothing to avoid coming in contact with contamination in flood water. You may also want to consult your local emergency management services for information about any spills and other dangers.
Moisture from Floods and The Potential for Serious Mold Problems
The water that gets inside your home during a flood will also bring mold spores into your home. This is a problem if any moisture gets trapped inside your home after repairs are done. It is important to thoroughly dry everything out after you have removed the water and debris. If you notice potential problems after the repairs have been done, have your home tested for dangerous mold before problems get out of control and become costly to repair.
These are some of the hazards that you want to be aware of when cleaning up the damage after a flood. If you need help with cleaning up the mess and repairing your home, contact a water damage restoration service to ensure the work is done correctly and safely.
