We don’t like to think about disaster striking our home. Apart from putting the relevant precautions in place, we tend to put it out of our minds. But if the worst does happen you will need to act quickly. So it’s useful to have some steps in place to ease the burden.
Flood
In the current eco-climate floods seem to be increasing. Householders are spending thousands each year to protect their properties and families. But if disaster strikes and your home is flooded, there are several steps you should take regarding the clean up.
- Always take precautions where water is concerned, to avoid electric shock
- Contact an expert for a quote on the price per square foot to fix water damage
- Contact your insurance company
- Remove furniture, furnishings and other clutter
- Scrape up as much mud from floors, ceilings and walls as possible
- Salvage as many appliances as possible and wash and dry them quickly
- Dry wooden furniture outside after removing drawers
- Dispose of any food exposed to water
Depending on the severity of the flood, it may be some time before you can redecorate and live in the house again. It will need to be completely dried. This process should begin as soon as possible to avoid structural damage.
Fire
A fire in your home can be terrifying and life-threatening. Once the fire is under control, and your home is deemed safe to enter again, the cleaning can begin.
Fire and smoke cause massive damage, as do fire extinguishers. Often you will find a layer of soot over your home and possessions. Remove as much of this as possible using a vacuum cleaner. Wherever possible, you should enlist the help of a professional. Soot and the chemicals required to clean are harmful, and masks may need to be worn.
Once the cleaning is complete, you may still find that you’re left with the lingering odor. Again, a professional cleaning company should be able to deal with this. Their processes and chemicals work at a deep level removing odors from burning and smoke. Sometimes they will use a fogger to penetrate surfaces and remove the smell.
If you’re looking for a household solution to lingering odors, wiping over affected surfaces with white vinegar can help. Another tip is to place bowls of baking soda in each room. The powder will absorb the odor, and you can then dispose of it.
Storm Damage
Storm damage is usually caused by falling trees or debris flying into the house. Always take care where trees or limbs are still leaning. They may still pose a threat. You should also be aware of the proximity of power cables. The house will need to be assessed for structural damage and safety issues.
Once any potential threats are removed, and the house is deemed safe, you can begin the clean up. Again, it’s likely you will need expert help to remove large trunks and branches. Some of these may need to be cut before removing.
Take steps to clear any hazardous materials such as broken glass. Get rid of any debris. Windows may need to be temporarily boarded before you can arrange for them to be fixed or replaced. This will avoid further damage caused by inclement weather.
Next remove any furniture or possessions that are beyond repair, including carpets. If items can be salvaged, then take steps to mend/clean them. Some rooms may need drying and the use of dehumidifiers and heaters. Ventilate rooms as much as possible by opening doors and windows. Remove carpets to allow floorboards to dry thoroughly.
There are steps you can take to reduce the risk of household disasters. But sometimes things happen beyond our control. Safety should always be your priority. Ensure your family know what to do in case of emergency. And once the danger has passed, act quickly to avoid further damage.