An Overview of Responsible Flood Response

No property owner wants to face the aftereffects of water damage, but serious floods destroy thousands of homes and businesses each year. Whether the flood was the result of a natural disaster or a malfunction with your water systems, there are eight steps that you must take to minimize the damage.

According to Disastersafety.org, the quicker your response time, the greater the chance of salvaging your household items. Fixaflood’s team of certified restoration trainers, mechanical ventilation engineers, public health practitioners and certified microbial investigators are available 24/7. Call 415-529-5632 for San Francisco flood repair and carpet cleaning.

Here are eight steps to take after a flood:

1. Switch off the electricity.

If you had not already switched off the electricity on the main board at the start of the flooding, do this as soon as it is safe. Also, disconnect all electrical appliances, and move them to a dry area.

2. If it is safe, try to remove some of the water from the building.

Implement immediate water extraction procedures to eradicate as much water from the building as you can.

3. Remove items from the property.

Remove all water-damaged furniture, equipment and materials.

4. Dry the property.

Use fans or dehumidifiers to dry the building and add ventilation.

5. Boil your drinking water.

When a flood strikes, debris and litter can wash into reservoirs. This can contaminate drinking water.

The Health Department recommends boiling drinking water for three to five minutes and then cooling it before drinking. The same treatment should apply to water you use for washing dishes, brushing teeth and preparing food.

6. Prevent mold growth.

Moisture in carpets and furniture, or on walls and floors, can lead to the growth of bacteria and mold, causing a health risk. It is important to remove as much moisture as possible immediately.

7. Wear proper safety equipment.

It is important to wear rubber gloves, boots and goggles while cleaning the water-damaged area. Minimize contact with the water, especially if you have cuts or open sores. Check with your doctor that your tetanus inoculations are up to date.

8. Wash your hands.

Even if you wear gloves during the clean-up, wash your hands frequently to prevent illness. If the water is contaminated, wash using soap and water, dry your hands properly, and then use a hand sanitizer.

Call 415-529-5632 to schedule an inspection from a technician with an Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IIRC). Our team understands modern restoration procedures and may be able to restore damage from floods, fires, earthquakes and other disasters.