Useful Tips: Dealing with Water, Wind and Fire Damage
It’s never fun to come home to your house being wrecked by water, wind, or fire damage. However, knowing how to deal with the situation appropriately is what matters most. After all, what is done is done and there’s no turning back time. Follow these tips to help you resolve your situation.
Water
• The quicker the water damage can be attended to, the better the results. Begin the mitigation process — the process that includes the extraction, dehumidification and drying that is critical – as soon as possible.
• Untreated, water can be a serious threat to contents and the structure.
• Raw sewage and flood waters contain bacteria and other micro organisms that are extremely hazardous to the occupants’ health. Quick action is extremely important!
• Treat wet surfaces and furnishings as toxic until properly decontaminated.
• Do not track contaminated material into undamaged areas.
• Do not attempt to decontaminate surfaces with sprays and other over-the-counter germicidal products, which may or may not fully disinfect contaminated surfaces.
• Stay out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• In summer, turn on the AC; in winter, alternate opening windows and heating.
• Do not operate any electrical appliances while standing on wet floors!
• If wet, place important books and documents in the freezer to prevent mold growth.
• Keep children and pets out of the affected areas.
Wind
• Board-up or tarping of open areas may be necessary for security purposes and to limit further damage from the elements.
• Damage from storms may result in roof and siding damage, gutter and downspout damage, glass damage, and/or lightning damage.
• Fallen trees can be dangerous and cause serious structural damage. Tree removal and general debris clean-up will be necessary. Damage to the interior of the building may also need to be addressed.
• Call your local power company and keep a safe distance away when encountering downed power lines and trees.
Fire
• Board-up or tarping of open areas may be necessary for security purposes and to limit further damage from the elements.
• Open windows for ventilation if weather permits.
• Pour antifreeze in toilet bowls, tanks, sinks and tub drains to prevent freeze damage in winter. Call a plumber to drain water lines.
• Remove perishable foods from refrigerators and freezers if you have lost power.
• Refrain from washing fire residue from walls, ceilings and other surfaces. More damage may occur.
• Do not use food items or canned goods that have been exposed to heat.
• Do not turn on computers or other electronic equipment and appliances.
Dealing with home damage is stressful. Don’t feel like you have to carry this burden all on your own. Call on Kelmann for your home restoration needs.