When Water Damage Strikes

10/9/2018 (Permalink)

When Water Damage Strikes

When Water Damage Strikes.... | SERVPRO® of Northeast Collin County/Greenville

Did you know that flooding is the most common disaster affecting the United States? And with flooding comes water damage—and potential effects on health and wellness.

Mold growth is among the health hazards attributed to water damage. There are negative symptoms of mold exposure. Once water damage occurs, whether from a flood or a leak, mold can set in within 24 hours.

But mold growth doesn’t have to be inevitable following water damage. There are some steps you can take:

Consult a Professional Immediately

You may think you’d notice an odor if mold was present, but that’s not always the case. That’s why calling in a professional team after water damage is essential.

While you may be able to salvage carpet following water damage, experts recommend at least a replacement of the carpet pad in most situations.

This is a more cost-effective option than replacing the entire carpet, but it’s not always a safe choice. A professional can help you make the best decision for your home.

Tread Carefully

• Do NOT re-enter your home or office until water has completely receded and officials have declared doing so safe.
• Document damage for insurance purposes, using photos and video.

Starting Drying Things Out

• Bring in fans, dehumidifiers and heaters to help speed up the drying time.
• Keep windows and doors open to allow air in if weather allows.
• Before the professional cleanup crew arrives, vacuum up what you can with a heavy-duty wet/dry vacuum.

Sort Through Items

• Porous materials like wood, upholstery, and paper of any kind, can trap mold and should be tossed out.
• Metal, plastic and glass, on the other hand, are not absorbent and can often be cleaned, disinfected and reused.
• While you can dry out carpet and rugs, keep in mind that doing so may not stifle mold growth.

If you need help after water damage and/or mold growth, SERVPRO® of Northeast Collin County/Greenville can help you restore your home back to normal.  SERVPRO® of Northeast Collin County/Greenville is currently servicing our clients in Melissa, Princeton and Parker Texas that have recently had water damage to their homes.