4 Things Not To Do After a Flood

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello when unwanted water from a flood or broken pipe invades your home.

When unwanted water from a flood or broken pipe invades your Blackfoot, ID, home, one of the first things you should do is call your local water damage restoration company. While you wait for help to arrive, remain calm, stop the water source if it’s safe to do so, and avoid making a potentially dangerous mistake.

Avoid Making This 4 Dangerous Mistakes After a Flood

1. Don’t Enter Areas With Structural Damage

Water and building materials are like oil and water: They don’t mix. If you notice signs of structural destruction or decay, such as cracked, warped or sagging drywall or wood, leave that area alone until it can be surveyed by professionals.

2. Don’t Enter Areas With Electrical Damage

If you spot visible damage to wires or evidence of water in home electronics, steer clear not just of those items but the entire room. Instead, go shut off the power to the house.
While drywall and water don’t mix, electricity and standing flood water do. Because H20 is an outstanding conductor of electricity you should avoid operating any electronics or appliances while standing on wet carpets or other types of flooring as well.

3. Leave Sewage Water Alone

Sometimes, a toilet or a broken pipe in or near the bathroom is to blame for flooding. When this happens, leave any displaced dirty water alone. Water involved in this area of your home is likely filled with bacteria and other contaminants.

4. Don’t Try To Remove the Water With Your Vacuum

You should never try to suck up water with your regular vacuum. Doing so carries the risk of not only electrocution but also destroying the vacuum cleaner itself. If you have a wet/dry vacuum, however, that is typically safe to operate.

The next time your home suffers from a broken pipe or surprise spring flood, don’t panic. Enlist the help of a Blackfoot, ID, water damage mitigation company in order to restore normalcy as quickly and safely as possible.