Four Precautionary Restoration Steps To Take When Water Damage Is Present

It’s not often that you know a flood is incoming and have ample time to prepare. However, there are cases in which you may have some time to prepare. If this is true, it’s important that you do all you can to minimize the damage caused by the flood. From our water damage restoration experts at Restoration 1 of Greater Charlotte in the Monroe area, here are six of these precautionary steps you should take when you know a flood is coming. This will help with water damage restoration costs as well: 

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Buy Sandbags

Sandbags, also known as desiccants, are a great tool you can use to protect your home when you know a flood is imminent. Sandbags contain highly absorbent materials (typically silica or something similar) which are capable of absorbing large amounts of water. This absorption takes this water that you normally are flooding you home out of the picture. Moreover, when purchasing sandbags, take your time to pick out a quality model. Most sandbags are designed to change colors when they become fully saturated with water. It’s worth spending a little extra on this type of sandbags so you know when they need to be replaced. 

Move Valuables To High Ground

If flood water does make it into your home during a flood, odds are it probably won’t make it all the way up to the ceiling or near the 2nd floor of your home. That’s why moving your valuables (especially electronics) to higher ground when you know a flood is coming. This is an incredibly simple step, but it can save you from significant damage and expenses if you take a few minutes to simply move these items up the 2nd floor of your home. 

Shut Off Your Electricity

One of the most dangerous elements of flooding is the effect that the floodwater can have on your electrical systems. If your electrical systems are compromised, the floodwaters may even conduct an electrical current throughout your home posing extreme danger to you and everyone else in the home. To avoid this hazard, it’s best to simply shut your electricity off as soon as you know that flooding is inevitable. You don’t need to do this for an indeterminate amount of time. Rather, you can wait until the last minute and only do this if you absolutely need to. 

Check Your Sump Pump

Having a sump pump on hand is one of the most useful tools you can have after a flood. Sump pumps are capable of pumping large amounts of water out of your home even as a flood is currently in profess. This can save you from significant damage and expenses in the long run. So, if you do have a sump pump, make sure you inspect it regularly to ensure it’s in working order. If you don’t own one, you should consider investing in one. 

As you follow these simple tips listed above, you will be able to minimize or hopefully prevent damage to your home when a flood is imminent. If your home does sustain any damage, however, don’t hesitate to give us a call at Restoration 1 of Greater Charlotte in Monroe for our water damage restoration services.