Forewarned is Forearmed!

7/24/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage??? No problem! We are #HereToHelp!

Everyone has heard the proverb "Forewarned is forearmed" - which is just another way of saying that having prior knowledge of possible dangers or problems gives one a tactical advantage. Or put another way, being armed with information gives you the best chance of having a more positive outcome in a dangerous situation. We at SERVPRO® of Glenview would like to help you out - by arming you with information!

Summer storms are making grand appearances across the Midwest and here in our local area, several of the recent storms have caused damage. Among the more common types of damage severe storms can cause is flood damage. In homes, flooded basements can occur when the sump pump fails or breaks down.

Knowing what one should - and should not - do in this situation can help you best remain in control when storms cause water damage to your home.

Clean water damage is typically what most residents experience when their sump pump fails, because the water that floods their basement or lower level is "clean" - it is storm run-off water, as opposed to "dirty" water (sewage or waste water).

If you experience clean water flooding in your home, try to do the following as soon as possible, to minimize the water damage:

- Turn off circuit breakers for the wet areas, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.

- If you are able, remove water using a water vacuum (shop-vac) or pump and hose. Never use your household vacuum cleaner!

- Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.

- Clear lamps and tabletop items so you can wipe excess water from wood furniture.

- Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and carpeting or wet floor.

- Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.

- Remove valuables to a safe, dry place; items such as paintings, art objects, computers, documents, and other materials which are sensitive to moisture should be removed from wet areas and begin drying as soon as possible to minimize damage.

- Lift draperies with coated hangers so they hang above wet carpeting or floors.

- Area rugs should be removed to a suitable drying area.

- Installed carpeting may need to be pulled up to remove a wet and damaged pad (which will need to be replaced). Depending on severity of water damage and length of time before any water removal is begun, it may also be necessary to remove and replace installed carpeting.

- Finished areas should be closely observed to monitor whether drywall, baseboards, and insulation in the walls has sustained any water damage. Not addressing water damaged walls can lead to serious and extensive mold damage, which is expensive to remove and possibly not covered by insurance!

When your home sustains clean water damage, it is also important to remember this list of dont's:

- Don't enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.

- Don't enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers, or electrical equipment are exposed to water.

- Never use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, as this can possibly cause electrical shock or even damage the vacuum cleaner.

- Don't use TVs or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.

- Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. Don't enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water - this sort of damage control is best done by professionals.

- Don't leave Oriental rugs or other colored area rugs on wet wall-to-wall carpets, as they can cause staining.

- Don't leave books, newspapers, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors, as they can cause staining.

- Don't leave cardboard boxes on wet floors or carpets as they will continue to absorb water.

A failed or broken sump pump during a severe storm can be the reason a basement floods, with 3" to 6" (or more!) of standing water not being uncommon. If you are able to take any of the above measures to help minimize clean water damage, then you are taking steps in the right direction.

If you are unable to address on your own any of the above issues - or possibly even others not mentioned, please don't hesitate to call SERVPRO® of Glenview at (847) 832-9300. As your local independently owned and operated Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration™ experts, we are always Here to Help®!

When fire and water take control of your life, we help you to take it back.

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