Extensive water damage in your home can be one of the most devastating occurrences to the structure and property items within it. A flooded home can be the consequence of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes and floods. However floods can also be the result of an overflowing toilet, burst pipes or leaking faucets. Water is a powerful force that can ruin your property and also create the perfect growing environment for other hazardous materials, such as mold and mildew. These fungi can result in serious health risks to you and your family, which is why it is imperative to clean up flooded house as quickly and efficiently as possible. Whether the flood in your home is caused by a natural disaster or an overflowing toilet, similar steps can be taken in order to salvage your home from extensive water damage.

Safety First

Before you enter your home after flooding has occurred, you need to make sure to protect yourself. If the flooding has occurred because of a natural disaster, then you need to assume that there has been mud and dirt that has also made its way into your home. Mud can bring a multitude of contaminants so it is important to work the clean up process wearing gloves. The same can be said for an overflowing septic system. Wear gloves and even a mask, if necessary. You can disinfect many surfaces with a solution of ¼ bleach per gallon of water or with a disinfecting cleaner.

Power Supply

If there is standing water in your home, there are certain precautions you need to take. First, if you are able to turn off the main power supply to the home from a dry area, then you should do so. This will prevent accidental electric shock during the clean up process. If the area where the main power supply is, is also wet, then you need to contact an electrician to turn off the power source. You never should turn off power while standing in water. Either way, you need to have an electrician check your power supply before turning it back on again.

Airing Out

Open up your home in order to start the drying out process. Windows and doors should be opened to allow an air current to circulate through, which should help immensely. If you have been away when the flood damage occurred and the house has been closed up for an extended period of time, you can confidently assume that you have mold growing in your home as well. This will require professional service to make sure that there is not mold growing in places that you cannot see, like within the drywall and air conditioning vents.

Remove Standing Water

If it is safe to remove standing water it can help the clean up process. You can bail out standing water or sweep water outside, if possible. The more standing water that can be removed will result in potentially less damage. You also will need to remove any personal items that are in water. If something is able to be moved to a dry area, do so as soon as possible.

If there is extensive flood damage and any evidence of mold, you need to contact a professional restoration company to help with the clean up. You can help reduce the extent of damage to your home when taking these simple steps.