Critical Steps for Water Damage Cleanup in Palm Coast

3/11/2016 (Permalink)

Whether you have experienced a severe weather event in your area or had a pipe burst, dealing with water damage is never an easy task.

Contact SERVPRO for Professional Palm Coast Water Damage Services

Whether you have experienced a severe weather event in your area or had a pipe burst, dealing with water damage is never an easy task. Palm Coast residential water damage can be extremely expensive if not addressed properly and promptly. Water, even in small amounts, can cause a lot of damage when it gets into spaces that were not designed to get wet. Acting quickly and taking the appropriate steps to minimize the damage will help save you time, money, and heartache. Here are a few recommendations to assist if you have a flooded basement in your home.


Water and electricity do not mix. This combination can cause severe injury and can even be deadly. Before doing anything else, you will want to turn off the power to the affected area, especially if the flood water level has risen above the location of the electrical outlets. This is easily done by shutting off the circuit breakers that power your basement. After this is complete, the area will be safer for work. You should then unplug and remove all electrical items from the area. Once this is done, you can remove any furniture and other movable items as soon as possible.


The next step in Palm Coast residential water damage cleanup is to eliminate any wet carpets. The carpet and the underpadding must be pulled up. In some cases, you may be able to salvage the carpet by having it cleaned and disinfected by a professional. However, many wall-to-wall carpets tend to shrink after being exposed to flooded conditions and can only be used as a remnant or area rug afterward. More often than not, the carpet underpadding must be thrown out as it tends to absorb water like a sponge.


Once everything has been discarded, you can begin the process of getting rid of the water. Buckets, towels, mops, and manual labor can go a long way. You can also use a wet/dry vacuum. However, be sure it is plugged in as far away from the flooded area as possible. Don't use extension cords as they can pose a risk for electrical injury. Getting rid of all the water and letting the area dry out is the most important step in returning your home to its former condition. After standing water has been removed, open windows and turn on fans to help the area dry out.


The next steps involve disinfecting and preventing the growth of mold and mildew. Bacteria and mold growth in a home can cause many health problems. These vital steps in Palm Coast residential water damage cleanup are left to water damage professionals who have the knowledge and experience to perform these jobs thoroughly the first time. In fact, many homeowners choose to leave the entire cleanup process to professionals who can also help you file an insurance claim to pay for their services.


We are a locally owned and operated business that can handle all of your residential flooding and cleanup needs. Residents of Palm Coast trust us to help with all the necessary mitigation and cleanup steps after a flood. If you require help with a flood in your home, give SERVPRO of Flagler County a call at (386) 447-2202.