House floods are unexpected, dangerous, and damaging. In minutes, your pristine basement can be transformed into a fish tank. Flooding can be caused by many factors, including a backed-up sewer, heavy rains, a malfunctioning sump-pump, and busted pipes. Regardless of what caused the flood, it’s imperative homeowners deal with the issue immediately, as damage can worsen over time.

From the flood damage restoration experts at Certified Asbestos Removal, here are four things you should do after a house flood:

  1. Stay Safe

Depending on the severity of the flood, you may have been forced to leave your home. Upon returning, it’s imperative you turn off the power before entering the house, as water and electricity are a dangerous mix. Flood water doesn’t discriminate—it picks up everything in its way. Ensure you wear protective clothing, like rubber boots and gloves, to avoid coming into contact with garbage, chemical contaminants, or sewage. It’s imperative you and your family refrain from eating any food that has been contaminated by flood water, or left out for an extended period.

  1. Find and Stop the Source

One of the most important steps following a flood is to locate and fix the source of the water. This may involve calling a local plumber, replacing equipment, or contacting city officials to remove debris. If you can’t locate the source, you must get in touch with professionals immediately to deal with the problem.

  1. Contact a Professional

If you feel unsafe in your home after a flood, are unsure how to deal with the damage, or have noticed mold growing in damp areas, you should contact your local flood damage restoration experts immediately. Left unattended, a few small, seemingly harmless mold spores can grow into a dangerous and costly problem. Professionals have the clothing and equipment necessary to safely locate and remove all mold, even when hidden under carpets or behind walls.

  1. Evaluate the State of Your Belongings

Floods can cause furniture to deteriorate, windows to break from water rushing in, and the formation of mold and mildew in moist areas. Determining which items are salvageable, and which need to be thrown out, is often the most difficult part of the remediation process. It’s important to be ruthless, as items with even the smallest amount of damage or corner of mold can turn into a big problem. If you’re not sure what to keep, and what to toss, seek advice from professional remediation experts.

Flood damage can be costly and devastating. If you and your family have recently experienced flooding in your home, and require professional help, get in touch with us today at Certified Asbestos Removal. We’ll get your home back to its original state, as quickly as possible.