How To Prevent Mold Damage After a Flood

1/24/2018 (Permalink)

A flood in your home is a serious issue. In addition to the water ruining your belongings, carpet and other structures, if left too long, it can also cause bacteria and mold growth. Follow these tips to take care of mold and prevent avoidable damage after a flood. 

Take Safety Precautions 

As soon as you discover a flood in your Alexandria, LA. home, unplug all electronics and remove all furniture and other movable items right away. Remember the following: 

• Televisions 
• Gaming consoles 
• Smartphones and tablets 
• Lamps 
• Medical equipment 
• Other electronics 

Disconnect the power to prevent electric shock during the cleanup process. Remember, the faster you complete this process, the more likely you are to save many of your more expensive belongings. Pull up carpet and underpadding, which can likely can't be saved. You may be able to save the carpet if it’s cleaned quickly enough, but shrinkage is possible. 

Remove the Water 

You can remove the water in several ways. Without power, you'll need to use buckets, mops and old towels to remove as much of it as you can. If the sewers aren't backed up, simply pour the water down the drain. If they aren't working, pour it onto the lawn. If you have power, you can use a wet/dry vacuum to soak up much of the water, but be sure to plug it in far away from any flood damage to better prevent shock. Avoid extension cords, which can short and cause a shock as well. If the flood waters are too high, you might consider renting a sump pump. Remove the standing water as quickly as possible to prevent mold growth. 

The Final Steps 

After you remove the excess water, open windows and use fans and a dehumidifier to dry the rooms out. Ensure the drywall is still safe to avoid crumbling, and disinfect the area to remove bacteria that may have entered your home through the sewer lines. Don't forget about walls and non-upholstered furniture. Finally, use a mold control product throughout your home and let it dry overnight to ensure you remove any trace of a problem. This takes care of any mold starting to grow and prevents new mold growth. 

Visit our website at www.SERVPROalexandriala.com for more information on mold.

Click on Alexandria, Pineville or Ball for more information. Also, the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce or the National Home Builders Association of may be able to help.