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The Health Effects Of Mold On Children

October 26, 2018 by Disaster Restoration Singapore

The symptoms of common flu are so similar that people who are having mold related symptoms cannot differentiate between the two. While the awareness related to mold and its harmful effects has increased quite a lot, it is difficult to identify if a symptom is due to mold. However, if symptoms are prolonged or if someone in the family is sick for no apparent reason, the culprit is most likely “The Mold.”

Mold or Mould refers to fungi that grows on varied surfaces if it is in a conducive environment. When inhaled, the body responds in the form of allergic reactions trying to defend the foreign particles entering the body. This defence mechanism can have multiple effects that are visible in different ways, but children, immuno compromised people, elderly and pregnant women are most susceptible to the negative effects of mold. Children whose immune systems have not developed fully can be at risk for really serious complications, depending on the extent of mold exposure.

Effects of Mold on Children’s Health

Respiratory Problems

The Health Effects Of Mold On Children: Respiratory Problems

Various studies from around the world has determined a close relationship between living in a mold-affected environment and negative respiratory symptoms in children.

Children may experience respiratory problems such as:

Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Runny nose
Itchy nose
Nasal congestion
Sore throat
Coughing
Sneezing
Various other flu-like symptoms

Mold spores may trigger more frequent asthma attacks and lead to lung disorders, for children suffering from asthma.

Any type of mold growth may result in worrying allergy symptoms, the greatest health risks for children come from black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum). Mycotoxins produced by black mold can be particularly harmful to kids and may even be fatal. Severe breathing difficulty and bleeding in the lungs can result if the mycotoxins get stuck in the mucus membranes and the lungs.

Skin Irritation

The Health Effects Of Mold On Children: Skin Irritation

Toxic black mold mycotoxins can enter the human body through the skin, especially if it comes to the delicate skin of a child. If a child’s skin comes into contact with black mold spores, it could lead to irritation, itching, rashes, and other skin problems.

Eye Irritation

The Health Effects Of Mold On Children: Eye Irritation

When the cells in the eyes come in contact with the mycotoxins, it could result in vision problems such as:

Itchy eyes
Water eyes
Red or bloodshot eyes
Eye inflammation and soreness
Blurry vision

Health Effects of Black Mold

Severe over all organ damage can be caused from extended exposure to black mold.

Black mold can enter the body through the skin and eyes very easily. Once the mycotoxins get into the bloodstream, it can lead to a number of cardio vascular symptoms, such as irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure and even haemorrhaging.

Body’s reaction to mold depends on the person’s sensitivity and overall health condition, the amount and the type of mold present in the environment, and the duration of exposure. However, the more a child lives in a mold-affected environment the more sensitive to the deleterious microorganisms he/she will become. The resultant allergic reactions will become more and more aggravated.

So, to avert solemn health quandaries and invert the negative effects of mold, you require to take immediate and efficient measures at the first sign of mold growth in your home.

What To Do About Mold In Home

Mold needs warm and sultry environments to thrive in, hence damp areas in the home, bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, are the most likely places to find household mold.

Mold removal in Singapore, however, can be a daunting task – you require to efficaciously discover and kill all the mold spores in your property, as well as to dispense the mold toxins which disintegrate into little particles that may contain mycotoxins, when agitated. So, unless mold covers only a diminutive area that can be cleaned thoroughly or the contaminated materials can be easily removed, you are recommended to hire professional mold removal specialists who will not only take care of any mold quandaries you have, but will guarantee that your abode remains mold-free in the future as well.

You should see a gradual decrease in mold allergy symptoms once the mold remediation process is completed. However if a child has been long exposed black mold his/her immune system will remain weak and he/she will be more sensitive.

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<div class="footer-new-cta"><p>If you have a mold problem – ACT QUICKLY!</p><p>Mold damages what it grows on. The longer it grows, the more damage it causes. Our team of subject matter experts and highly-trained technicians are on standby 24/7 to remove and remediate mold and fungus problems.</p><p class="footer-new-cta-a"><a href="tel:+6593219321">Call DRS now at 9321 9321.</a></p><a href="/contact-us"><div class="new-footer-cta-btn">Contact Us</div></a></div>

Why You Should Clean Your ACMV Ducts

May 18, 2017 by Disaster Restoration Singapore

ACMV (Air-Conditioning and Mechanical Ventilation) systems are very beneficial, but only if they function properly and improve the quality of indoor air. ACMV systems include HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning) systems too. To work at its full potential, your ACMV unit as well as all the air ducts need to be clean. While filters present in the system prevent a lot of dust from entering into air ducts, sometimes dust and other contaminants may still accumulate and lead to poor efficiency of ACMV system.

If your ACMV is not functioning properly, it will lead to poor air quality. This system not only regulates your indoor temperature, it also controls the humidity level and levels of different gases including oxygen and carbon dioxide. If this system is not working as well as it should, you cannot expect to have good indoor air quality.

Most experts recommend that changing your filters regularly is an adequate step to ensure continued optimal functioning of the ACMV system in your house. However, in some cases, this is far from enough and you need to get the whole unit and ducts thoroughly cleaned by professionals to improve the indoor air quality.

When Should You Clean ACMV Ducts?

Excessive cleaning is not required, but there are some instances which warrant the help of professionals.

In Case of An Allergy

If someone in your house suffers from an allergy-related breathing difficulty and you can’t find the root of the problem, it is best to get your ACMV ducts cleaned by a professional service. There might be an allergen present in the ducts which is causing the problem.

Mold

Mold growing anywhere in your house can be quite dangerous for the health of your family. Mold can grow in air ducts which are dirty, moist and contaminated. If you can actually see mold inside the ducts, you must call a mold cleaning service immediately to get rid of it. If you are not sure about the growth, you can remove the cover and wipe the side of the duct with a moist cloth. If mold is indeed present there, some of it will rub off on the cloth and you will be able to see it.

Too Much Dust

Dust gathers everywhere, and ducts are no exception. However, in most cases, filters lock out a lot of the dust so only a little of it actually accumulates inside. If there is visible, thick dust on the corners of air duct covers, or it appears to be dark brown in color, you should consult a professional duct cleaning service. They will be able to do an inspection and advise you whether your ducts need to be cleaned or not.

Rodents Or Other Infestations

Pests, rodents or other small animals may be nesting in your ACMV ducts. These animals can lead to the spread of diseases and also reduce the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. In this case, contacting a cleaning service is absolutely essential. A proper, well-established ACMV cleaning service will remove the animals before thoroughly cleaning all your ducts and restoring them to their original, clean state.

Getting Rid of Odor

If you can detect an odd odor in your house but are not sure about the source, it may be coming from your ducts. Molds, fungi and other microbes can produce this odor, and thorough cleaning by foul odor treatment professionals is needed to get rid of it.

ACMV Cleaning In Case Of A Disaster

One very important indication of getting your heating/cooling system and all the ducts cleaned is when disaster strikes. You never know when that might happen. And when it does, it can lead to problems with your ACMV system.

A flood, for example, can lead to dirty, contaminated water getting inside the air ducts and making them filthy. Even after water levels fall, contaminants will remain in the duct and lead to poor air quality as well as low performance of the heating/cooling system. Therefore, cleaning out the system is essential in this case for disaster recovery.

Similarly, a fire can damage the ducts and the units, leading to their breakage. Smoke and other contaminants may stay in the ducts after the fire has been put out. If you turn on the cooling at this time, you will be inhaling these harmful substances. Therefore, disaster restoration in this case will again involve getting your ACMV professionally cleaned.

There are special disaster restoration services, like Disaster Restoration Singapore (DRS) which specialize in cleaning the ACMV system and air ducts after any disaster. They not only clean this system, they will also clean any other surface, furniture or carpet etc. which needs to be restored to its original state.

The professionals use special machines and equipment to wash and clean your house for disaster restoration. This means that your house will not only look clean, it will also become free of contaminants, debris, pollutants and anything else which might be harmful for you or your family.

Disaster Restoration Singapore is well known for its prompt response rate. They will come to your aid immediately after a disaster strikes, and will greatly help you in cleaning up not only your ACMV system but also anything else that has been damaged and contaminated.

What Can You Expect When You Call A Cleaning Or Disaster Response Service?

If the whole cleaning process is done adequately, it can take several hours, and requires the service of many people. Make sure that the agency you hire agrees to clean your heating and cooling unit along with all the air ducts.

The professionals use commercial vacuum cleaners as well as other tools for the process. They may also advice you about changing the filters, if required.

Many such services give you a free estimate of how much the cleaning process will cost. All you have to do is call them up and detail the services you want, and they will tell you how much you can expect to spend.

Prefer to hire professionals who have been certified by Indoor Air Quality Association. Also, consider their experience in the field as well as reviews of past customers before you make your final decision.

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<div class="footer-new-cta"><p>Your HVAC systems and ducts need regular maintenance for improved health and increased productivity.</p><p>Call DRS now – our team of subject matter experts and specialists will use state-of-the-art technology, products and processes to clean and sanitize your ducts quickly and cost-effectively.</p><p class="footer-new-cta-a"><a href="tel:+6593219321">Call DRS today at 9321 9321!</a></p><a href="/contact-us"><div class="new-footer-cta-btn">Contact Us</div></a></div>

Common Causes of Disasters in Singapore

April 22, 2017 by Disaster Restoration Singapore

‘Disaster strikes’…even before you come to terms with the actual impact of a disaster, the very thought of it sends shivers down your spine! While there is hardly any place on earth that has not come under the grip of disasters, certain regions are more vulnerable to them due to their prevailing climatic conditions and proximity to seismic belts and volcanoes. Apart from the geographical factors, external inducers such as rampant industrialization, irresponsible handling of chemical wastes and toxins, faulty infrastructure and rapid buildup of mold and fungus in the home and office interiors also contribute to a variety of disasters that are known to mankind.

So, are disasters completely unavoidable? Is there nothing that can be done to lessen their adverse impact? If you have been thinking along these lines lately, then here’s a comprehensive guide for you that outlines disasters in general and those that are common to Singapore. Needless to say, when a disaster strikes, prompt disaster recovery and restoration actions are what eventually matter and should be prioritized if loss mitigation and swift resumption of critical operations are your prime goals.

Types of Disasters

Disasters can be natural or induced. Natural disasters, often dubbed as ‘Acts of God’, can take you by surprise completely as they are quite unpredictable and leave us with practically little or no time at all to plan for them in advance. Earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, tornados, cyclones, tsunamis and hurricanes are a few of the well-known natural calamities that pose immense potential to human life and property.

Man-made disasters are more often than not an outcome of technological hazards and can be curbed to a great extent with responsible usage of perilous materials and periodic maintenance of the accident-prone infrastructures and buildings. Floods, nuclear explosions, electrical fires, engineering hazards, environmental damage, chronic indoor air-related health disorders and industrial mishaps like oil spills and gas leaks are few of the uncalled-for events that classify as human-caused disasters.

Importance of Rapid Disaster Recovery and Restoration

One of the significant aspects that have a far-reaching impact on the extent of the damage caused by a disaster is our ability to respond to the calamity in the shortest possible duration. When disaster strikes, every minute counts. Under such circumstances, a prompt response plays a vital role in bringing the situation under control and restoring the affected properties to their pre-loss condition in the least possible time. This is of paramount importance when you want to resume normalcy as fast as you can and reduce the losses incurred due to disruption of services.

Hiring rapid disaster recovery and restoration services can go a long way in managing a catastrophe effectively and can mitigate the detrimental aftermath of a disaster to a great extent. Swift disaster recovery is also essential for mitigating financial losses as your insurance company may not cover the full amount of the damage arising out of natural or man-made disasters.

Disasters That Are Quite Rampant in Singapore

While the locational advantage of Singapore shelters it from many natural calamities, man-made disasters are not uncommon to the island nation. Mentioned below are few of the common causes that trigger disasters in Singapore and warrant urgent and expert response to ensure loss mitigation.

Flood

Common Causes of Disasters in Singapore - Flood

Due to its warm tropical rainforest climate, Singapore witnesses recurrent shower spells that often exceed the average rainfall thresholds. This makes the country prone to frequent flash floods such as the ones that occurred between 2010 and 2013 and led to many casualties along with disrupted businesses. Another lesser known cause of floods is the accidental or fire-triggered activation of fire sprinkler systems which can cause accumulation of water in our home or office premises, thereby inducing a flood-like situation.

Whenever there is a flood, you run a risk of disrupted services and businesses for days to come as the excess water can make the premises inaccessible and damage valuable machinery and documents. Moreover, it leads to formation of moisture in your environment which, in turn, encourages the growth of mold and bacteria. The residual moisture can cause destruction and deterioration of priceless art and documents, corrosion of hardware and electronic gadgets and trigger mechanical failure – a potential fire hazard.

In order to salvage the situation quickly, it is important to seek the professional services of a certified disaster recovery and restoration company like Disaster Restoration Singapore (DRS) that has the latest techniques and equipment to remove the surplus water quickly and leave your premises spick and span in no time. Apart from water removal, DRS offers comprehensive flood damage recovery services that include management of undetected moisture, document recovery, mold remediation and elimination of odor resulting from mold and bacterial infestation.

Fire

Common Causes of Disasters in Singapore - Fire

Fires are one of the most deadly disasters that can cause irrevocable damage to human lives and properties. Singapore is no stranger to the perils of fire outbreaks as evident from the 1961 Bukit Ho Swee Fire that ravaged many homes and destroyed property to the tune of SGD 2 million. Neither is the country protected from the hazards of smog as the forest fires of neighbouring Indonesia produce haze which also spreads to Singapore and the surrounding regions. Moreover, the island nation has year-round hot weather which is well-suited to heat waves and wildfires. In addition, flammable liquids, faulty wiring, malfunctioning electrical equipment and combustible chemicals and gases are few of the common causes that trigger fires in the Lion City.

Most fire disasters are accompanied with billows of smoke and soot that can provoke a plethora of health-related disorders such as eye irritation and respiratory diseases. Moreover, the ongoing fire generates a variety of poisonous gases and corrosive by-products that can adversely affect the surrounding materials and assets. Reaching out for the emergency corrosion mitigation services of an expert disaster recovery and restoration agency can ensure that the leftover smoke is quickly removed and the risk-prone surfaces are urgently treated with a corrosion inhibitor. Companies like DRS also come with specialty equipment like air scrubbers that are enabled with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration systems. These air scrubbers purify the contaminated indoor air by extracting the fine air-borne smoke and odor particles that are imperceptible to the naked eye and remain suspended in the air long after the fire has been extinguished.

Mold Damage

Common Causes of Disasters in Singapore - Mold Damage

It is a known fact that microbiological agents such as mold and fungus are key contributors to inferior indoor air quality and are instrumental in causing chronic health problems in individuals at home and at the workplace. Mold and fungus thrive well in the warm and moist weather of Singapore and the presence of chemicals and post-flood moisture can also contribute to their formation and growth. They are also notorious for causing the Sick Building Syndrome.

Reversing the damage inflicted by these microbiological agents is a complex task that is best left to the skilled services of a reputed mold and fungus remediation company like DRS. They are armed with vast experience in this arena and boast state-of-the-art machinery, the latest technology and advanced anti-microbial treatment methodologies to disinfect, deodorize and restore the affected surroundings to healthy conditions.

Related Post: Mold Remediation in a Flight Simulator

Industrial Hazards

Common Causes of Disasters in Singapore - Industrial Hazard

Undeniably, industrial hazards remain one of the most alarming disasters of the 21st century and are known to kill many innocent lives, leave thousands injured and destroy valuable properties and goods, sometimes worth billions of dollars! They manifest themselves in the form of fires, explosions and leakage of lethal chemical wastes and toxic fumes that cause grave damage to the environment. Typically, chemical plants, oil refineries and depots, natural gas processing units etc. deal with a significant amount of flammable materials at high temperatures and pressures and are therefore more vulnerable to industrial disasters.

The technologically advanced nation of Singapore has also experienced one of the worst-known industrial disasters in 1978 when the Greek tanker ‘Spyros’ exploded. The horrific industrial accident took many lives and triggered a flash fire that made immediate rescue operations near-impossible.

Any chemical disaster recovery demands a speedy removal of the dangerous spills and wastes in order to alleviate the long-term consequences of impaired health and environmental pollution. It is imperative that you avail yourself of the expertise of highly-trained technicians of an experienced disaster restoration company in Singapore. These Subject Matter Experts are well-versed with the process of disposing hazardous waste to a pre-approved disposal site in a safe and timely manner.

Conclusion

Leading disaster recovery companies in Singapore like DRS are renowned for their fast response times in the wake of a chemical disaster and are known to offer 24/7 emergency restoration services throughout the country. Disaster Restoration Singapore has the most up-to-date disaster restoration and personal protective equipment as well as in-house specialists who arrive at the affected site within an hour of activation to undertake a quick assessment of the incident. They also assist with the collection of necessary evidence that is indispensable for further investigation and root cause analysis of the mishap.

Lastly, one must bear in mind that while the occurrence and prevention of a disaster may or may not be in our control at all times, post-disaster recovery and restoration of our important assets and critical business activities are certainly achievable – provided we waste no time and call upon the professional services of a certified disaster recovery company in Singapore.

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<div class="footer-new-cta"><p>If you’re experiencing flood and water damage, call DRS now.</p><p>Our subject matter experts and our highly-trained technicians experienced in flood and water damage clean-up, recovery and restoration are ready to help you.</p><p class="footer-new-cta-a"><a href="tel:+6593219321">Call DRS today at 9321 9321!</a></p><a href="/contact-us"><div class="new-footer-cta-btn">Contact Us</div></a></div>

What to Expect from Water Damage Restoration Specialists

April 10, 2017 by Disaster Restoration Singapore

In the event you are affected by water damage like burst water pipes, sewage backups, flooding, etc., here’s a list of 11 steps you should expect professional restoration specialists to take:

1. 24-Hour Emergency Contact, Rapid Response

Water damage acts very fast. Your water damage restoration needs to be deployed rapidly too.

Within one hour, furniture submerged in water can start to swell, split and stain. Within 48 hours, mold, mildew and bacteria will start to affect surfaces and fabrics. If recovery begins within 24 hours of getting wet, there is a higher possibility of restoring the affected materials, helping to mitigate your losses.

Therefore, you should contact water damage restoration specialists immediately.

Professional water damage restoration specialists maintain a 24-hour emergency call centre to deal with all emergencies.

When you do call them, the call representative will ask questions in a systematic manner to collect details of:

the damage,
the source of damage,
the condition of your premises,
your insurance information,
the condition of electrical circuits within the premises,
the availability of electricity around the premises.

They should also reassure you about any concerns you might have about the water damage.

The restoration specialists should be present at your premises within 1 to 2 hours of the call to conduct the initial site damage assessment.

In the ideal scenario, you should call immediately upon realizing that water damage has occurred. Restoration is most effective when the assessment is done within 1 to 2 hours of the damage. This is a crucial step in creating an effective plan of action that will result in a successful restoration.

2. Inspection of Premises and Assessment of Water Damage

Once they arrive at your premises, the restoration specialists will conduct a detailed inspection of your property.

The following is a brief breakdown of the process:

Identification of Water Source
Cessation of Water Ingress From Source
Checking for Contaminated Water
Identification of Type of Water (Category 1, 2 or 3)
Damage Assessment
Solution Assessment
Safety Assessment
Safety Debrief to Occupants, Owners and Recovery and Restoration Personnel

3. Temporary Protective Measures

While restoration and recovery works are in progress, it is important to:

facilitate the restoration by the moving of furniture and other property,
cordon off unaffected property safely,
protect property from further water damage that may be continuing, etc.

Professional water damage restoration specialists provide the following services to protect your property and to facilitate the whole recovery process to ensure your premises are returned to a pre-loss condition effectively and efficiently:

Board-Up
Roof Tarp
Blocking or Moving Contents, Property and Furniture (Warehousing if Necessary)
Safety Debrief to Occupants and Owners

4. Extraction and Removal of Visible Excess Water

The first step the professionals should undertake after inspection, assessment and removing property from your premises is the efficient and rapid extraction of visible excess water from your premises.

Depending on the amount of water, the equipment they use may include powerful submersible pumps and industrial-strength extractors which may be truck-mounted. This helps to reduce the drying time, reduces primary water damage and helps to prevent mold growth and secondary water damage.

Once complete, professional water damage restoration specialists will inspect your floors to assess whether they should be restored or disposed of.

There are 3 main steps in this stage:

Organized and Efficient Move-Out of Property & Belongings
Excess Water Removal Using Extractors
Flooring Inspection (Carpets, Pads, Wooden Floors and Marble Floors)

5. Drying and Dehumidification to Remove Retained and Hidden Water

Even after all visible excess water has been removed, water is still retained and remains hidden within your premises, especially within porous materials like drywall and wood and hard-to-access areas within your premises.

From this point on, your water damage restoration specialists will be constantly detecting your premises for moisture and water, and constantly testing the levels of moisture in different areas of your premises to ensure the return of your premises to an acceptable level of dryness.

They will use industrial-grade dryers, blowers, dehumidifiers, and manipulate temperature and relative humidity to ensure your premises are completely rid of the unwanted water and moisture.

These are the steps water damage restoration specialists will take at this stage:

Detection of Retained and Hidden Water Using Infrared Cameras
Moisture Testing Using Hydrosensors & Hygrometers
Deployment of Dryers
Deployment of Blowers
Deployment of Dehumidifiers
Inspection of Walls and Floors

6. Disposal

Once your premises have reached acceptable levels of dryness which are both reasonable and acceptable to you while fulfilling international restoration standards, some items may be considered too damaged for recovery or restoration. Professional water damage restoration specialists will then ensure that these items are disposed of in a safe and efficient manner.

7. Cleaning of Walls and Floors (On-Site)

At this stage, after all the water is removed and drying and dehumidification has been successfully carried out, the floors, walls and other surfaces in your premises will be cleaned using the method best suited to the surface condition, the kind of water contamination, the extent of water damage and your needs.

Related Post: Cleaning Up Your Home After a Flood

8. Content Restoration (On-Site and Off-Site)

For full restoration and recovery, many of the valuable contents in your premises require special drying techniques like drying chambers with special temperature and humidity controls. In such cases, your contents will be moved off-site for special restoration works to be carried out.
Professional water damage restoration technicians will also restore important machinery, fine art, documents and your furnishings:

Documents & Fine Art
Electronic Equipment, Machinery and Computers
Furniture & Furnishings
Flooring – Carpets, Underlays, Wooden Floors, Marble Floors

9. Deodorization

Water is a universal solvent and reacts with almost any material. This can be seen especially in the odors emitted off premises and property that has recently been damaged by water. These odors are serious, persistent, and cannot be removed by normal air fresheners and deodorizers. The removal of unpleasant odors is thus one of the most important priorities in water damage restoration.

The following steps will be taken at this stage to remove these unpleasant odors:

Deployment of Air Scrubbers
Deployment of Fogging

10. Sanitization with Antimicrobials

In many water damage cases, it is paramount to ensure the safety and good health of all occupants of affected premises. The whole premises are treated with a disinfectant to kill all pathogenic microorganisms, which include germs, bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold, allergens and other bio-contaminants.

You can also opt for a special antimicrobial treatment – AEGIS Microbe Shield – which will protect all treated areas with a protective coating that kills microbes upon contact.

11. Completion of Water Damage Restoration – Repair and Move-In

Once the restoration experts conduct further testing and monitoring of all affected areas, repair works are undertaken to restore your premises to its pre-loss condition.

Professional restoration specialists may either perform the following services by themselves or find reliable sub-contractors to do the work for them:

Drywall Removal and Installation
Hardwood Floor Repair
Tile Floor Repair
Painting
Carpet Repair and Installation
Building Services and Reconstruction
Restorative Carpet Cleaning/Wooden Floor or Marble Floor Polishing

Once all of the above is done, you will be ready to move in to your newly restored premises with peace of mind, knowing that the restoration specialists did a thorough and professional job.

Keep this article handy or in mind should you ever have to face water-damaged premises.

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Cleaning Up Your Home After a Flood

August 28, 2015 by Disaster Restoration Singapore

Cleaning Up Home after Flood in Singapore

One of the most common types of natural disasters that plague independent home owners is flooding. It may be the result of heavy rains, storms, or tidal waves emanating from earthquakes in the sea. In cases when the accumulation of the water is insignificant, homeowners may be able to prevent their property and furniture from too much damage due to water. If, on the other hand, the water logging is substantial, you can have a tough time salvaging your home and belongings.

When a home gets damaged by flood, it becomes necessary to clean and mend all the affected parts. More often than not, the victims of water damage in all homes are the same – the basement, the roof, the walls, the floor, the furniture, and the appliances.

The sight of your home soaked in and damaged by water can be heartbreaking to say the least, and can leave you shaken. It becomes difficult to think straight in the face of such adversity. It is, however, extremely important that you get a grip of yourself and handle the situation calmly.

Mentioned ahead are a few steps that you can take in cleaning up your home after a flood.

Make Sure the Area is Secure

In order to salvage your property, one of the first things you need to do is evaluate the damage and get rid of all the wet material from your home. Before you do so, ensure that your home is safe to enter, especially if the water hasn’t completely receded. Check with local officials to make sure that the area is secure.

When water is logged in homes for extended periods of time, they run a danger of it getting affected by structural issues. Do not enter your basement if water is still accumulated and the power still connected to avoid the risk of getting electrocuted. Even if the water has retreated, enter your home only after ensuring that the power is off.

Apart from that, there may be several of your belongings, including electrical appliances that can be sunken under water, just waiting to cause potential electrical hazards when turned on. Hence, it is best to disconnect the power, unplug the devices and remove them from the scene immediately. Remember, the faster you get them out of the water, the higher will be the chances of saving them.

If mechanical devices such as the furnace, the water heater and/or gas valves were also submerged in the water, it is suggested that you get them replaced altogether instead of getting them repaired and reusing them to be on the safe side.

Take Care of the Basement

Your basement will probably be the worst hit among all the other areas in your home during a flood. This area will likely require the most cleaning. If your basement has windows, open them up for the stench to escape and let fresh air and sunlight in.

Remove any standing water with the help of buckets, old towels and mops. If your sewers are clear, you can pour the water into the drain; or else pour it into your lawn. Be wary of using electronic gadgets such as sump pumps or a wet/dry vacuum to get rid of the water as it is a bad conductor of electricity. Use them only if your basement is severely flooded and you have safe power supply. For best results and your safety, engage the services of flood damage restoration experts to help you with this.

Related Post: All Water-Damaged Losses are Not the Same

Dry Them Out

Opening the basement windows will help in drying it out in some time. In the absence of windows, place fans and a dehumidifier in the basement to allow it to dry and enable air circulation. If you have a finished basement and the drywall was affected, you’ll have to separate the areas touched by the water as the drywall will disintegrate and the paper backing can cause/increase mold.

Remove the Carpeting

Take your carpets and rugs off of the floor and remove their underpadding. If you get your carpet cleaned and sanitized, there’s a good chance you will be able to recover it. Cleaning it yourself can cause it to shrink, so it is advised to get it cleaned through a professional service. The underpadding tends to absorb a lot of water, and hence, it is unlikely that you’ll be able to save it.

Disinfect Your Home

Once the water has been removed, you will need to shovel out all the mud (if any) from the basement. Remove stains from the floor and the walls with the help of a high-pressure hose or with a brush dipped in a detergent-water solution. Clean water can be used to wash everything that has been retrieved from the flood.

Once that’s done, clean everything again with hot soapy water. Disinfect all the flood-affected areas of your home using a solution made with ½ cup chlorine bleach and a gallon of water. Scrub the basement with it, spray it on your belongings and dip small items into it. Doing so is important to prevent the growth of mold.

Watch Out for Signs of Mold and Mildew

Most flood-affected homes end up being afflicted by mold. It is, therefore, important to act immediately if you notice a musty odor in your home, or see mold developing on your walls. Mold is known to be commonly present in the following areas –

Under the sinks in your bathroom and kitchen, especially if they leak
Behind/under electrical appliances that make use of water, such as washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerators
Leaky ceilings
Around doors and windows
High humidity areas such as the basement and the laundry room

Conclusion

Yes, the whole house takes an immense beating due to flood waters, which can wreak havoc and destroy your home. Taking quick and sensible measures, however, can go a long way in helping you minimize its adverse effects. Cleaning your home with the above tips in mind will help you bring it back to its normal state to a certain extent. Hiring professional cleaners will make this process more hassle-free and will also prove to be helpful in saving more of your property. Remember, quick and smart measures are going to be your best allies in restoring normalcy in your home.

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