What to Do if Your Home is Flooding

You may not spend a lot of time worrying about flooding in your home, but it can happen suddenly and be very devastating. Flooding can occur from burst pipes, broken appliances, overflowing bathtubs, backed-up toilets, or from harsh weather. Here are a few steps you should follow immediately after flooding to minimize the water damage and keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

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1. Turn off the water source.

It may seem like a no-brainer, but if you can identify the source of the flooding in your home, the best thing you can do is turn it off. If an appliance is leaking or flooding, turn it off or unplug it. If your sink or tub is overflowing, just turn it off.

However, it is important to always remember safety when it comes to flooding. Standing water can be dangerous to deal with. It can carry harmful bacteria that can make you sick. If it is deep enough that it is higher than the electric outlets on your walls, do not come in contact with the water. It may carry an electric current that could put you at risk of shock and even death. If you cannot safely reach the source of the flooding water, you may need to shut off the water to your house completely. To be safe, you may also want to turn off your house’s electricity to make sure no one gets electrocuted.

2. Call a water damage restoration company.

After flooding, your first instinct may be to spring into action to try to clean it up yourself. But this is not a good idea. Even if the water does not carry an electric current, there is still a risk of it being filled with bacteria or chemicals that can make you sick if you come in contact with it. This can especially happen if the flooding is caused by a broken appliance or overflowing toilet or septic tank. Instead of trying to take care of it by yourself, call a water damage restoration company to handle it for you so you do not put yourself at risk.

3. A water damage restoration company will remove the water and repair the damage.

Water damage can lead to a variety of other problems in your home very quickly, especially after flooding. A water damage restoration company uses the right equipment to remove the water and make sure everything is dried up completely. They will also be able to determine if any mold has begun to form and remove it before it spreads. They will then be able to repair your home and possessions for you.

If you have experienced flooding or any other kind of water damage, do not try to deal with it on your own. Call a water damage restoration company such as Restoration 1 of St. Augustine to handle it for you so you can have peace of mind that your home can be returned to its predamaged condition.