Flood damage to your property can form mold growth to wobbly flooring. However, before you go back inside your home to assess the damage, you should take a stroll around the property and physically inspect it for any structural damage.
You should also check for any downed electricity lines and gas leaks, as this is something that is recommended by government agencies for disaster preparedness. Do not go inside the house if you have reservations about whether or not it is entirely safe and secure for you to do so.
After flooding has happened, you may come to your property to find some or all of the following types of damage:
Electrical and Structural Damage
Flooding can result in structural damage. Floors and roofs can become loose or buckle, and there may be fissures in the foundation. After a flood, you can also find that some of the electrical cables in your home are damaged or frayed.
If you or any part of your body is wet, or if the wires have been submerged in water, you should refrain from touching any electrical outlets, switches, or the electrical box. You should have an electrician evaluate the wiring instead and take action as soon as possible.
Appliance Damage
Flood water can cause damage to the appliances in a property, such as the HVAC system, the water heaters, and the freezers. It is recommended that you switch off the electricity to your property if it is safe for you to do so.
Take note: never do anything if you are not 100 percent confident there is no risk of electrocution. Refrain from using appliances until they have been inspected by water damage restoration specialists in Maryland.
Keep in mind food might go bad if there is no electricity to run the refrigerator because of a power outage. It may also come into contact with water as a result of the flooding.
Make sure to dispose of any goods that have developed mold or have a putrid smell about them. According to recommendations made by the Center for Disease Control & Prevention, you should toss out any food items with which you have concerns regarding their level of safety.
Development of Mold and Mildew
Per the experience of water damage restoration specialists in Maryland, mold can start to grow in damp areas within 24 hours after the moisture has been introduced.
This implies that your personal stuff, e.g. clothing and furniture, in addition to construction materials like drywall, floor, and insulation, can be impacted by mold and mildew development after a flood.
It is important to dry up your property and any possessions as quickly as possible in order to reduce the risk of mold formation and its subsequent spread.
The Center for Disease Control & Prevention suggests that, in addition to opening the windows, one should use fans for ventilation and dehumidifiers to assist in drying out the home when an electrician has established that it is safe to use electricity.
Water and Septic System Damage
According to US Environmental Protection Agency, following a flood, the filters of a septic tank might get clogged with debris, which can impede the tank’s capacity to receive water. You should make it a priority to get it checked out and tested by a professional.
According to the EPA, flood water can also contain silt, which has the potential to make its way into wells and pollute drinking water. Before you start drinking the water in your property, you should get it tested and, if necessary, treated.
Economic Losses
Because not all insurers or plans cover the water damage that can be caused by flooding, those who have been affected by floods might experience significant financial stress as a result. Just the costs associated with floods in the United States in 2011 alone were more than $8.5 billion.
Verify the amount of coverage you have at the moment to make sure you are adequately protected against flooding in your house or place of business. It may take a number of years for towns that were impacted to be reconstructed and for life to get back to normal.
Talk to Top To Bottom Renovation’s Flood Damage Restoration Specialists in Prince George County, MD
In addition to the aforementioned effects of flooding and water damage, loss of life is the consequence of flood damage that is most likely to have a catastrophic impact on you or a company.
In the United States, flash floods are among the leading causes of death due to adverse weather conditions, taking people’s lives as well as of domestic animals, wild animals, and pets.
Make sure you contact Top To Bottom Renovation If you are currently dealing with water damage around your property. They are the ones who can help you manage the situation in the appropriate manner. Contact us today at 301-579-8215!
