Floods are natural disasters no one should face, but unfortunately, they can’t always be prevented. In Portland, OR, homeowners need to familiarize themselves with what to do if a flood occurs. Floods bring loads of bacteria, dirty water, and the ability to destroy your home. Some floods can carry away your vehicle! When you experience flood damage, your next call should be to a flood restoration company. Here’s why.
Floodwater is Often Contaminated
Water damage comes in all shapes and sizes. Leaks from a burst pipe are usually safe to be around. Toilet and tub leaks are a bit more dangerous (for obvious reasons). But floods are the worst of them all. Floodwater is known as blackwater or Category 3. Blackwater includes rising floodwaters and usually mixes both ground and river water. It often contains dirt, debris, and human/animal waste.
When blackwater enters your home, it can often cause damage to such a degree that the flood restoration team will discard damaged items. And deep disinfection needs to take place to ensure you’ve removed all the contaminants.
What Kind of Damage Can a Flood Cause?
A flood can do more than make your home wet. It can cause many severe short-term and long-term problems in your home, especially if it’s not treated properly. Here are some of the issues you may come across from flood damage in your home:
- Contaminated drinking water
- Electrical damage
- Electrical risks such as electrocution
- Significant structural damage to your home
- Sanitary hazards
- Defunct sewage systems
Not to mention the economic and emotional toll something like this takes on a person. We recommend hiring a professional team to come in and restore your home after a flood. Not only are you making sure that your home is professionally fixed up and cleaned, but it gives you peace of mind that the flood restoration professionals will fix your home while you recover.
Why You Should Get Flood Damage Restoration
Having floodwater in your home, as previously mentioned, can cause severe contamination and extensive damage. Getting a professional team to come in and handle the restoration process removes the water, decontaminates the house, and helps clear the way for any repairs that may need to come. Here are a couple of things you should do first before the contamination process.
- If you have enough time to do so, try to move any valuable possessions and furniture from the ground before the flood hits to try and save as many of your belongings as possible. They may become permanently and extensively damaged once the floodwaters hit.
- Leave the property and seek refuge. There are several contaminants in the water, and you run the risk of becoming sick after exposure.
- Try to turn off your electricity and gas. This will keep gas leaks and electrical charges to a minimum. We recommend doing this one only if it’s safe to do so. It’s more important that you stay safe than attempt to do this if it’s hazardous.
The Flood Damage Restoration Process
Once the flood has subsided and you’re dealing with the fallout of the situation, it’s time to call in the professionals to restore your home. But what does the restoration process entail?
- They will remove any contents of your home deemed beyond repair.
- Next, they will pump out the water and then assess the extent of the damage done to your home.
- They will disinfect and deep clean your home. This will remove any contaminants left behind by the floodwater.
- They will inspect your building to ensure there isn’t any structural damage.
- Your entire home will be dried out to remove all moisture left behind by the floodwater and help prevent mold from forming.
It’s a good idea to consider having other professionals like an electrician, plumber, and the gas company come out and inspect those parts of your home to ensure they work properly.
If You Need Your Home Restored from Flood Damage, Call PNW Restoration
At PNW Restoration, we have a 24/7 emergency response team that can assess and restore your damage at any time, in any situation. We can safely remove water and begin immediate clean-up of your home or business. It’s our goal to quickly and successfully help you recover from any kind of water emergency. If you need flood restoration services, call PNW Restoration today at (971) 247-3470.
