One of the biggest mistakes people make after their home floods is underestimating how dangerous the water damage repair process can be. There are actually numerous safety hazards that have the potential to occur after a flood. At Yellow Van Cleaning and Restoration in Holdrege, we want you to be as safe as possible throughout the restoration process. To help you accomplish this, below are five serious health concerns to look out for after a flood.
Contaminated water is arguably the most dangerous aspect of water damage restoration. Floodwater is rarely clean and can contain dangerous bacteria and microorganisms. It is especially dangerous when the floodwater contains sewage and/or harsh chemicals. If you suspect that flood water in your home is contaminated, DO NOT try to clean it up on your own. Let a professional restoration technician do the job as they have the experience and equipment needed to stay safe.
The threat of electrocution is a common hazard after a flood. As a result, one of your first steps after a flood should be to shut off the electricity in your home. Although, don’t risk going back into your home to do this after a flood. At that point, you can leave this to the restoration technicians. This should eliminate the threat of electrocution.
Flooded homes appear as open invitations for unwanted pests such as bees, ants, rodents, and cockroaches. Along with simply being gross, these pests can also pose an immediate threat to your health. They can be carriers of disease and invite other germs and illnesses into your home. To prevent this additional hazard from occurring, the best thing you can do is begin the restoration process as soon as possible.
The amount of structural damage caused by a flood can vary widely. No matter the extent, it can pose a threat to your health. The most dangerous instance of structural damage caused by a flood is when the damage is severe but not easily visible. This leaves parts of your home prone to collapsing without any warning. This is yet another reason why calling a professional cleaning and restoration company is important since they will be able to spot the damage and prevent anyone from being harmed.
Mold growth does not pose an immediate threat after a flood, but mold can begin to grow as soon as 24-48 hours after a flood. If a flooded home goes unattended for several days, then mold will be a relevant concern. While not all types of mold are dangerous, some are, and it can vary from person to person on how mold affects people.
When all is said and done, the best way to stay safe and avoid these hazards is to simply avoid the water damage altogether. Our team of restoration experts at Yellow Van in Holdrege can help you do just that. If your home is ever flooded, give us a call right away so we can help you repair the damage and stay safe in the process.