Taking Steps Toward Flood Recovery With Speed & Safety in Mind | SERVPRO® of Van Nuys South

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

If you’re experiencng any water damage from flooding, SERVPRO of Van Nuys South is available 24/7 to assist with any repairs.

There has been an increase in flood-related damages in recent years, prompting many people to wonder what they should do in the event that they need to be concerned with recovery.

While speed is a priority when it comes to handling the aftermath of a flood, staying safe is also equally important as you do so. It is normal to want to get to work right away in cleaning up and repairing your home, so we have put together some tips to make sure you stay safe while you do so:

Taking Steps for Speed and Safety During Flood Recovery

Avoid further safety hazards. If you were ordered to evacuate, not knowing the damage done to your house can be difficult, but it is important to not rush home before you have been cleared to do so. There are many auxiliary dangers that can pop up after a flood, so emergency officials will need to inspect the area to make sure it is safe.

Air out the home. While water damage is a hassle on its own, after a flood, mold can begin growing within hours and lead to its own set of issues. Mold spores can take hold anywhere, but if you can open the doors and windows when you return to your home, you can increase the airflow and discourage the mold from landing on your belongings—plus, this will keep the air safer to breathe and decrease the adverse health risks that mold can pose.

Document the damages. Walking into your home and surveying the magnitude of the flood damage can be an overwhelming experience, and many people will want to start sorting through their items right away. We always recommend documenting the damages for your records first, however. Take thorough photographs of all impacted areas, and create an inventory list to keep track of everything that has been damaged before you make any changes.

Contact your restoration and insurance companies right away. For those who have a flood insurance policy for their household, talking to them about the claims filing process should be a high priority so you can get it started. Afterward, you can give us a call at any time—the longer flood damage is untreated, the worse it can become, so we guarantee that we can respond quickly and begin moving moisture out.

If your home has been damaged in a flood, we are here for you. You can contact us ²⁴⁄₇ to receive a quick response and set the restoration process in motion.