How To Minimize Flood Damage

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

What to do after flooding

When a major storm hits your home or business in Charlotte, NC, you may have more flood damage than you can handle. While you wait for certified flood specialists to get to your home, there are a few small steps you can take to mitigate damage. 

Sort

After water enters your home, one of the main concerns is mold growth. Mold can grow in as little as 24 hours after excessive moisture enters your home. The best way to prevent mold growth is to sort the wet items into categories:

• Textiles
• Wood
• Glass 
• Ceramic
• Metal
• Plastic

Non-porous items like ceramic, metal, and glass are likely to be okay. Even if mold grows, it is easily cleaned off. However, textiles, wood, and other porous materials are less likely to be okay. The mold spores will grow in the fibers and can be impossible to remove. 

Disinfect

Flood-water falls under a category 3 contamination level. Being a level 3 means the water is likely infested with microbes and bacteria. A thorough cleaning that sanitizes everything the water touches is necessary. The restoration company will handle this process to ensure your items are safe for you and your family to be around. Something you can clean yourself is clothing. Any contaminated clothing should be washed in hot water with fabric-safe bleach or a laundry sanitizer. Other surfaces that need to be cleaned professionally should be considered unsafe until the restoration company notifies you otherwise. 

Dry

To prevent secondary damage, all extra moisture must be removed. Technicians may use one of several techniques to remove excess moisture. If necessary, they will pump any standing water out of your home using specialized wet vacs and sump pumps; and then use industrial fans to dry the area. A dehumidifier may be brought in along with air movers and other equipment to lower the humidity to the 40-50% it should normally be. 

A flood in your home after a storm can cause a lot of damage, but with quick action and a remediation company, you may be able to prevent further problems. Call SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County at (704) 840-6112 so we can make it "Like it never even happened."

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