Hurricane Season is Here

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

Hurricane season is upon us and it is important to keep in mind the proper precautions needed for the inclement weather. Make sure to go through the NOAA’s suggestions and evacuation procedures. Let’s stay safe this summer, CenLa! Check out more about what SERVPRO of Alexandria suggests on our Hurricane Season post. With Central Louisiana’s history of bad weather we want our community to be as cautious as possible.

Remember, flooding isn't covered in most Home and Renters insurance policies so you’ll need a separate solution for it. As always, SERVPRO of Alexandria is happy to help when in need. We deal with property damage like no one else, and make it “Like it never even happened.” Contact us at (318) 427-7511. As an emergency service company, we are available 24/7. 

#stormDamage #waterDamage #moldRemediation #hereToHelp #heroReady #centralLouisiana #cenLa #stormPreparation

Cold Weather is Gone

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

The cold weather is officially behind us, and as the heat keeps rising, hurricane season keeps getting closer and closer. Keep in mind our previous tips on storm preparation and have a plan written out and explained to your family members. Check out our previous post on Hurricane Season Approaches. To be safe, if you’re having friends or family over for a visit, these plans should also be shared with them.  Visit NOAA.gov to determine if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone and need to leave your home. The NOAA shares a good amount of tips on the matter. 

As always, SERVPRO of Alexandria is happy to help when in need. We deal with property damage like no one else, and make it “Like it never even happened.” Contact us at (318) 427-7511. As an emergency service company, we are available 24/7. 

#stormDamage #waterDamage #moldRemediation #hereToHelp #heroReady #centralLouisiana #cenLa #stormPreparation

Hurricane Season Approaches

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

As the summer gets closer, hurricane season also approaches and it is important to keep in mind adequate preparation for the hard weather to come. The first part of preparation is determining your risk. The NOAA can help you with its Historical Hurricane Tracks tool that uses your zip code to display paths of past storms related to your location. Making an evacuation plan is also a good way to get ahead. Visit NOAA.gov to determine if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone and need to leave your home. Areas prone to flooding, or a mobile home outside of an evacuation zone may also be reasons to leave. When preparing for hurricanes, having supplies to make it through the hurricane isn’t enough. Ensure you have supplies for the recovery period, which could be very long depending on the damage. Consider reviewing your insurance policy. Make sure you have enough coverage to repair or replace your home and personal items. Remember, flooding isn't covered in home and renters insurance so you’ll need a separate policy for it.

As always, SERVPRO of Alexandria is happy to help when in need. We deal with property damage like no one else, and make it “Like it never even happened.” Contact us at (318) 427-7511. As an emergency service company, we are available 24/7. 

#stormDamage #waterDamage #moldRemediation #hereToHelp #heroReady #centralLouisiana #cenLa #stormPreparation

Trust SERVPRO

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Technician on the job

Trust SERVPRO of Alexandria to do the job, and to do it right. We have the best team of professional technicians who, without a doubt, take pride in their work and being part of the SERVPRO of Alexandria family. Need help with mold remediation? We are here to help. Need emergency water damage restoration? We are ready to help. Have fire damage to your property? SERVPRO of Alexandria will go through every step with you. We pride ourselves on the work we have done for our community. There is nothing like knowing you can count on someone when you most need it specially during heavy storm season, and SERVPRO of Alexandria is that someone for Central Louisiana. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. We are only a phone call away! You can contact us at (318) 427-7511 any day, at any time. 

#centralLouisiana #hereToHelp #heroReady #waterDamage #moldPrevention #floodDamage #contractor #insuranceClaim #fireDamage

Hard Freeze Warning

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

Alright Central Louisiana, you know the drill! With freezing temperatures expected this week, take a few minutes to consider the effects this weather can have on your property. Especially consider one of the main sources of water damage in our community; busted pipes. Keep your pipes safe and functional by following our previous blog’s recommendations.

If you do happen to have an emergency regarding water damage, do not hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Alexandria at (318) 427-7511.

You can also check out our blog on how SERVPRO of Alexandria can help you with Water Damage. Remember, not having water damage properly dealt with can lead to mold growth. Keep your home safe, keep your pipes warm and running, and keep your property dry. Our blog is full of tips and tricks to save you the trouble of some of the most preventable situations. 

Stay warm Cenla!

#stormDamage #waterDamage #moldRemediation #hereToHelp #heroReady #centralLouisiana #cenLa #stormPreparation

Ice Dams

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

Diagram of ice dam on a roof

During the early months of 2021 Central Louisiana was experiencing some strong winter storms. As a result, our community experienced ice dams. What are ice dams? Literally what it sounds like. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents water from draining off the roof. This causes water to refreeze. Because of the ice dam the water is unable to drain properly. It will then back flow through your shingles and into your home causing damage to walls, ceiling, insulation and other areas.

Moisture entering the home from ice dams can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. Check out our blogs on How To Prevent Mold  and How To Spot Mold. If not remediated properly mold  can cause health issues.

So what causes ice dams? Non-uniform roof surface temperatures. When snow goes through high temperatures it will melt into water. When said water slides down and goes through low temperatures (32F) it freezes and turns into ice, creating a frozen ridge on the roof. The dam will continue to grow as the snow keeps melting. However, it will limit itself to the area that is below 32F. The rest of the water remains as a liquid and finds its way through the ceiling into the attic which could lead into exterior walls or ceiling insulation. 

If you experience some water damage due to ice dams, don't hesitate to call us at (318) 427-7511. SERVPRO of Alexandria is here and ready to help Cenla!

#moldPrevention #mold #hereToHelp #heroReady #allergies #moldRemediation #airQuality #centralLouisiana #waterDamage #insulation #floodDamage

Dear Central Louisiana

12/29/2021 (Permalink)

Dear Central Louisiana,

It has been almost a year since we experienced the Great Ice Storm of 2021. Just wanted to make sure you are taking every precaution possible to avoid getting caught off guard. We would like for you to take safety measurements and take the time to give some maintenance to your pipes. Last year there was a lot of water damage in Cenla, and although there is still no sign of last year’s winter storm repeating itself, it is better to be safe than sorry. Take good care of your pipes, and prevent pipes bursting by following some of the great tips we have shared. Check out our blog to find some greatest advice on the topic. We are always thinking about you, and we care for you. You know you can always count on us, no matter the time or the day. Stay safe and warm this winter!

All the love, 

SERVPRO of Alexandria.

#moldPrevention #mold #hereToHelp #heroReady #allergies #moldRemediation #airQuality #centralLouisiana

Preventing extensive water damage during a storm

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

Water Mitigation

Clean your downspouts and gutters

Make sure to clean out your gutters at least once every six months or more often if you have a lot of trees near your home. If this is not maintained it can cause water to collect in the gutters, which can cause damage to your roof and gutters.  Checking to make sure your down spouts are cleaned ensures that during a storm the water can run away from your house properly. If your down spouts are clogged, the water has nowhere to run freely and can cause damage to your foundation. At SERVPRO of Alexandria we want to ensure that water is flowing properly from gutters through the down spouts to keep you from having further damage.

Switch off the mains

If you are leaving your home for a storm and plan to be away for a while, turn the water off at the main line. This will stop any dripping or other water issues while you are away. The worst feeling is coming home to a flooded house due to a pipe bursting while you are away. As the rain falls during a storm, the ground typically becomes mush and the additional weight and pressure of the water could cause ruptures or leaks. 

Flood damages to your home can range from minor to severe and dealing with the issue can be overwhelming. While some water issues cannot be foreseen, there are a few things you can do to prevent flood damages to your home from factors you have some control over. If you experience flooding in your home, Please call SERVPRO of Alexandria 318-427-7511 so we can assist you with the aftermath of a storm that caused water damage to your home. 

Flood Cleanup

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

Flood damage does not always present itself immediately. Damages can surface after a storm due to the quality of the flood water and the impacted property.

A fire in your home is preventable when the risk is lessened with enough precautions. Other similar types of damage can be controlled to an extent with the homeowner’s help. No matter what effort you put forth, flooding is uncooperative after taking place.  

Slower moving floods create fewer risks to those outside at the time of the flood. For instance, flash floods are catastrophically powerful enough to sweep cars away. Both types of floods can create bio-hazard risks in a home. If a home has been flooded, it must be cleaned to a sanitary state before anyone lives there again. 

SERVPRO cleaning and restoration services targets biological presences, microbial organisms, chemical compounds as well as structural damages. 100% of flood damages typically do not present immediately which includes electrical wiring in addition to waterlogged outlets. Chemical compounds such as various salts, fertilizers, sewage, motor fluids (such as gasoline, oil, brake fluid), and run-off from local factories can cause additional damages to a flooded property.

Gutting a home should take priority while restoring a residence to suitable living conditions. Furnishings can be cleaned to acceptable levels unless they have been submerged for an extended time period. This is detrimental when handling compressed wood products. Solid wood furniture is not as easily damaged; however, it is more likely to crack in places where two pieces of wood were fastened together. Fabric that covers upholstery can harbor pathogens such as mold and bacteria. Precautionary care must be completed when cleaning these items. If needed, special brushes may need to be used in order to preserve raised patterns while still cleaning the furniture piece adequately.

Hurricanes: Working with our Community

10/11/2019 (Permalink)

Storm damage and flooding can unite us under one banner for the greater good of our community.

When a major storm event like a hurricane affects our community SERVPRO of Alexandria is here to help. We understand the stress that can occur and acknowledge the importance of quick reaction. Our goal is to provide a helpful service to our community, plain and simple.

Our home is central Louisiana. Our focus is on the people and their properties. Whether you own a small business or are the pastor of a church SERVPRO of Alexandria is here for you. If your home suffered flood damage  or your entire neighborhood was affected we got your back. 

Like a community where many come together as one with a common focus, SERVPRO of Alexandria is part of a larger national network of like minded franchises acting in unison to achieve a singular goal: Restore your property to pre loss condition.

Call us today if you have any questions or concerns.

Are you in a floodplain?

10/9/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage as a result of rising water from flooding can be a disaster.

Determining if your house or business is in a floodplain should be a priority, especially in Louisiana. Just knowing this can mean the difference in what steps you take to prepare for a storm event and how much it may cost.

FEMA provides a flood map service center where you can enter your address to see if your home or business exist in a area susceptible to flood waters. These maps are continually updated and provide tools to take advantage of FEMA's resources. 

With this knowledge you can begin the process of setting up flood insurance. The cost may vary from region to region but is well worth should a rising water storm event occur.

If you have experinced water damage as a result of rising water flooding please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Alexandria. 

For Central Louisiana Properties, SERVPRO Technicians Evaluate and Execute Cleanup and Restoration after Storm Flooding

3/12/2019 (Permalink)

A Welcome Sight to Alexandria, Pineville, Ball, Natchitoches, Marksville and Winnfield Homeowners Following Flood Damage

Ways to Speed Up Flood Damage Removal in Alexandria and surrounding Central Louisiana areas

Floods ruin property in a matter of hours or even minutes depending on the intensity of the raging water and the level of contamination among other things. However, the removal of such water and debris left after the incident is rarely fast. Working with a professional restoration service helps speed up task because of the different specialists like ASD, Applied Structural Drying and WRT, Water Restoration Technicians that make up the team working on your home.

Proper assessment at the early stages of flood removal in Alexandria can help reduce the overall time taken by shifting the focus to crucial steps. Flooding can happen from rising groundwater or other sources such as driving rain or a punctured roof that lets water into the structure. While rising groundwater is mostly black water with high levels of contamination, the other cases may represent a lower amount of contaminants, so the principles applied for removal are different. Our SERVPRO technicians evaluate the type of flooding to determine whether it is just a case of removing the water or also tearing out porous materials like drywall to eliminate contaminants and excess moisture.

Floodwaters reach different sections of the property including concealed ones such as wall cavities. The techniques applied for removal can quicken or lengthen the time it takes. Since the water also soils the affected areas, the method of removing the water should also incorporate cleaning to speed up the exercise. Our SERVPRO crews rely on techniques such as performing flood cuts, weep holes and vent holes. The flood cut opens up a section of the wall, typically two feet high, and about six inches above the floodwater line. This non-salvageable material is discarded, and the exposed cavity can be dried and disinfected.

The time it takes before the removal process starts can lengthen the process because secondary damages happen if water remains in the structure over extended periods. These additional damages might include mold formation and loss of structural integrity in materials such as wood. Our SERVPRO technicians respond fast since we have fully stocked green vehicles and trailers ready to assist clients during floods.

For a speedy recovery after a flooding incident, call SERVPRO of Alexandria at (318) 427-7511. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Click here for more information on the city of Alexandria.

Hurricane Michael 2018

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Alexandria makes it a priority to support our fellow citizens when disaster strikes. In the fall of 2018 we sent two crews to Panama City, Florida to support the local SERVPROs. What we found was a community in crisis. 

We rolled up our sleeves and got work. We were tasked with bring a few credit unions back online. With most banks being closed and everything operating on a cash basis it was imperative that we establish a portable ATM. We brought in generators to each branch so that the restoration process could proceed according to plan.

All in all, the community pulled together with SERVPRO and we got people back in their homes and back to work faster. 

This experience served to remind us that helping people is the core of why we do what we do.

Water Damage and the different Types of Water

7/6/2018 (Permalink)

When water floods your home, how do you know if it is safe to clean up on your own? This is the question thousands of homeowners ask themselves every year after waters spreads its way across the floor of the property and causes water damage. To help answer the question, the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) has categorized contaminated water levels into three degrees of danger.

Category 1: This water is generally deemed harmless to humans and can frequently be cleaned up by the homeowner if caught before the water level gets to more than an inch or two.

Category 2: Clean water (category 1) that sits for more than 24 hours can move into category 2 because it is then considered contaminated water. Other ways this water can become contaminated include coming in contact with the following household items: Grease, Food, Bleach, Cleaning supplies. Because category two liquid is unsafe, it should be handled by a specially trained water restoration team.

Category 3: This water is classified as grossly unsafe and extreme caution should be used when encountering the liquid. This type of unclean water is often filled with fecal matter, dangerous chemicals, and toxic materials. Natural disasters, overflowing rivers, and sewage backups can flood your home with this unhealthy type of liquid.

Flood waters can be frustrating to deal with, and the uncertainty of knowing what type of water you are standing in can be frightening. With the IICRC’s list, you can feel more secure in dealing with different types of contaminated water in Alexandria, Pineville, Ball, Marksville or Natchitoches.

For more on Alexandria click here. 

For more on Pineville click here. 

For more on Marksville click here. 

For more on Natchitoches click here. 

Unseen Dangers of Flood Damage in a Alexandria Home

4/25/2018 (Permalink)

Alexandria Flooding Gets Cleanup Help from SERVPRO (Natchitoches, Marksville, Pineville, Winnfield, Ball)

Stormwater Cleanup and Restoration is a Hallmark of SERVPRO Expertise

When something avoids making itself known, either because of its size or surroundings, many people tend to forget that it exists. During a flood in central Louisiana, hidden dangers such as pathogens or jagged, splintered building materials can stay underwater and out of sight but still present and able to injury people. 
 
Alexandria homes sustaining flood damage extraction often harbor such hidden dangers. Because inexperience in such situations can cause costly and possible life-threatening mistakes, restoring your own home can place you or others in harm's way. SERVPRO employees wear personal protective equipment for both large and microscopic hazards while they carry out the restorative work your flooded home requires. 
 
Our other specialized equipment focuses on getting your home dry, and back to a safe, clean condition again. Both help protect both your home and your family from harm. Restoring your residence to a dry state keeps microbial populations under control much more efficiently, and the elimination of any pathogens significantly reduces the risk of your family members contracting any water-borne diseases. 
 
Removing standing water with the use of our large pump trucks happens relatively quickly, from hours to several days. Soggy floors get even more attention from our crew members when we use handheld vacuum extraction units. When we remove the majority of water from carpets and padding, we can more easily roll them up and remove these from your home. 
 
Flooding causes substantial amounts of silt and other debris to become deposited in the fibers and padding. These foreign substances not only make it almost impossible for carpeting ever to become thoroughly dry or completely clean. Odor-causing bacteria can remain an ongoing risk and ever-present reminder of the flood, as well. More cost-effective and safer, new carpeting and padding can make your home like new again. 
 
However, we must dry other components of your home. Walls can absorb substantial moisture during a flood. We remove saturated drywall and twelve inches above the highest watermark to ensure we remove any traces of water that traveled internally via wicking. 
 
Other facets of restoring your home after flooding include sanitizing all surfaces. We remove your furniture so we can wipe down all the surfaces, inside drawers and all shelves, wiping the corners to ensure no debris remains behind to cause harm or let mold grow. Foodstuffs contaminated by flood waters can cause serious health problems if consumed, even when cooked. This happens many times because some bacteria can resist heat, remain viable, and then infect people. The floodwaters may have also carried inorganic matter that could be hazardous to contact to ingest.
 
For problems with flood damage that affect your home, call SERVPRO of Alexandria at our local number, (318) 427-7511, any day of the year, 24-hours a day. We are always ready to answer your questions and work with you in making your home safe again after this or any other disaster.

More about a Alexandria here

After the Flood - Then What?

2/13/2018 (Permalink)

After the Flood - Then What?

Nobody expected that the bayou could rise that far. It never had before. Now, the house is a muddy mess of debris, water and extensive damage. For some people, moving would be the first thought that came to mind. However, others want to stay in their homes, repair the water damage, and live on in the house they love.

Flood damage is more than just the standing water left after the bayou or creek recedes. It's ruined carpets and furniture, wet plaster and more. Water in the home or business is just the start of the problems. Without proper clean-up and sanitizing, mold can grow, floor damage can be permanent and drywall can be ruined. It is imperative to immediately start the restoration process to help limit the damage and mounting costs. A call to a professional water mitigation company should be the first step taken by a home owner after flooding occurs.

Water cleanup begins with bringing in equipment to extract the water in the home. Pumps and specialized vacuums are used to suck up the water. Restoration is a process. Once the puddles have been cleared, the next step will begin. The water damage will be in the walls, floors and furnishings. Drying is imperative to help stop the damage and to prevent mold from growing.

Fans, dehumidifiers and other equipment will be brought in to help dry out the water in walls and moisture from furnishings and floors. Thoroughly drying water in the home will save thousands of dollars worth of damage later.

Restoration from the devastation of flood damage is not an easy process. A professional service should be called to handle the process so that it is done correctly. For instance, not many individuals would know that after the water in their business is removed or the water in their home is dried, more steps are still necessary. Sanitizing the surfaces, furnishings and anything else the water touched should be done.

Water in the business or home could have left a foul odor. Professionals can remove the lingering odors left even after the water cleanup. Mitigation professionals know how to use fogging equipment and industrial air scrubbers to help remove the last traces of the water damage.

After the restoration process of water cleanup, drying, sanitizing and odor elimination, there is still one last step in the water damage mitigation process - repairs. Water in a business can damage walls, carpeting and flooring. Drywall may need to be replaced. Electrical outlets and wiring should be checked for damage. Water in a business may have warped sub-flooring, damaged floor joists and wrecked major appliances. Time is money, so flood damage needs to be taken care of as quickly as possible. Quick yet thorough mitigation will get a business back up and running after flood damage has occurred.

Storms, floods and even appliance malfunctions like a dishwasher overflow can cause homes and businesses the headaches of having to deal with the water cleanup process. Nobody wants to go through it, but when it happens a person shouldn't go through it alone. Professionals who know how to deal with the devastation left behind are the best option for a quick, safe restoration. Since professional water damage restoration companies have the equipment and training to handle cleaning, drying and even rebuilding homes and businesses, they should be the first choice for mitigation.

Sure, the damage is devastating and overwhelming. Of course, nobody wants to go through flooding and the after-effects. The reality is that these occurrences can and do happen every day. The good news is that there are people specifically trained to restore homes and businesses to their pre-flood conditions.
Visit www.SERVPROalexandriala.com for more information on water damage.

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.

Always be prepared before a hurricane strikes

2/12/2018 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Alexandria, we want to make certain you and your family are prepared before the next storm strikes. We urge you to review the following preparedness tips to help safeguard your loved ones in the event of a hurricane:
Design a Family Plan Devise an evacuation plan with your family and chose a designated meeting place in case of separation. It is also worthwhile to conduct practice drills to make certain all family members are familiar with the plan. Create an Emergency Supply Kit This kit should include the following: first aid items, blankets, flashlights, cash, fresh water, nonperishable food items, candles, matches, necessary medication, a radio with batteries, personal hygiene products, baby formula and diapers (if needed), and all important documents should be placed in waterproof document storage bags. Prepare Your Home In anticipation of a hurricane, it is a good idea to prepare the outside of your home from damage caused by wind and debris. Boarding up windows and other glass portions of the home is a good way to prevent breakage.  It is important to know that taping windows does not prevent them from breaking. Also, remember to check around your home for hanging tree limbs and shrubs that need to be trimmed. Fill Your Gas Tank It is always a good idea to make sure your car's gas tank is full, just in case an emergency evacuation is ordered.  Often times, towns that are in an emergency situation can "shut down," leaving gas stations inoperable. During or after any storm, you can count on SERVPRO of Alexandria to be prepared no matter what the weather brings. Our highly trained staff and state-of-the-art equipment is ready 24/7/365 to help clean-up and restore damaged property, "Like it never even happened."^®

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.

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.

Why is Flood Water Dangerous?

5/16/2017 (Permalink)

Once flood waters set in you may be tempted to splash around and have a little fun in a seemingly hopeless situation. The water is here to stay a while so... why not? 

Whatever you do, stay out of the water! 

Flood water can be hazardous to your health even when properly vaccinated. 

Flood waters can contain runoff from fields, bacteria from almost everywhere, and contaminants such as toxic chemicals (like gasoline or oil) or wastes (from animals and humans).

That is why in areas of the world where there is flooding from tsunamis, etc., those villages generally have a large outbreak of cholera, dysentery, and other water borne diseases.

And I haven’t even mentioned snakes yet! No one should ever treat flood waters like a stroll through your swimming pool. They are a health hazard, and can cause acute illnesses, particularly in children. You should never let your children play in flood water.

Here are some of the top reasons to stay out of flood water:

• Raw Sewage- Raw sewage is germ infested and could contain disease causing micro-organisms including but not limited to E Coli, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Hepatitis A Cholera and more! Open cuts and wounds can become severely infected by contaminated water.
•  Sharp and Dangerous Objects- Flood water picks up everything in its path and is generally murky and muddy. Sharp and dangerous objects pose potential risks as they are hidden from site and can puncture the skin.
• Hidden Rocks, Ditches and Potholes-  Hidden rocks, ditches and potholes may cause you to lose your footing and fall.
• Storm Drains, Storm Pipes and Manholes- During a flood, as water recedes, storm drains storm pipes and manholes become powerful suction devices that can sweep away a child even an adult in an instant!

Keep your family safe. When water is on the rise remind them that though it looks tempting to play in, that it is important to stay out of the water as much as possible.

If for any reason you have no choice but to come in contact with flood water be sure to wash everything as thoroughly as possible. 

If you live in Central Louisiana and are a victim of flood water damage please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Alexandria, Pineville and Ball.