As Hurricane Irma ripped through the state of Florida, the storm left widespread flooding and damage in its wake. With so much destruction, it can be challenging to quickly get professional help cleaning up your property. Here are some tips to get your property recovery effort started.
Safety First
When cleaning up a flooded area, your safety should be your primary concern. Taking a few of these precautions can help:
- Disconnect the power to the area; water and electricity don’t mix
- Wear protective clothing: Gloves, long sleeves, pants, and work boots provide a layer of protection
- Move electronics, furniture and any other obstacles out of your way
Mop up the Water
You need to clear as much of the standing water out of the flooded area as quickly as possible. Using tools such as mops, brooms, buckets, and old towels can help. For larger areas consider renting a wet/dry vacuum or a sump pump.
Dry Out the Area
Opening windows and doors near the wet area can help. Use fans and dehumidifiers to circulate the air in the area. Keeping the air moving aids the drying process.
Dispose of Contaminated Items Responsibly
It is very likely that water seeped through your walls and flooring. Affected drywall needs to be cut away, and most trim and flooring will need to be pulled up. Insulation and padding under carpets all need to be removed too.
Disinfect Water Damaged Areas
Hot, humid, and damp conditions are the perfect breeding ground for mold. Use professional grade disinfectants to treat water damaged areas. Since mold growth can be very dangerous to your health it is often advised to hire a water damage remediation company to inspect and treat the area. This holds especially true in situations where sewage water could be a factor.
Rebuild, Repair, and Replace
Once the areas have been completely dried out and treated, it is time to begin rebuilding. If filing an insurance claim to cover the cost, make sure you know exactly what is and what is not covered. And getting a few quotes for the repair work is also a good idea.
Preventing Future Water Damage
If you are cleaning up water damage after Hurricane Irma, you may want to consider looking into ways to help better protect your home and property in the future. Call the seawall experts at Gibson Marine Construction to take a look. They offer custom seawall designs that can help protect your property and possibly prevent future hurricane related water damage to your home.