SERVPRO of Metairie explains how to keep yourself safe when dealing with water damage

9/12/2022 (Permalink)

Blog summary: Here's how to keep yourself safe in the event of water damage.

Water damage typically happens unexpectedly at the time you least expect it. While minor water damage doesn't threaten your safety, flooding, sewage backup, storm damage, and other large cases of water damage put you and your family at risk.

If faced with any of these situations, your priority should be to ensure the safety of yourself and your family.

SERVPRO® of Metairie is a reputable water damage restoration company in Metairie. Their restoration professionals have outlined the following tips to safeguard yourself and others in a water damage emergency.

1. Stay calm, and don't panic

Water damage can be distressing, especially if it results in property damage. The destruction of priceless family treasures and souvenirs, or the forced departure of the residents for a few days or more can result in an emotional toll. However, ending up in a hospital due to a heart attack will only worsen things.

As a homeowner, it's essential not to be worried, as there are skilled, knowledgeable professionals like SERVPRO of Metairie that can help you deal with water damage problems and get your home back to normal in no time.

2. Turn off the electricity 

Water and electricity are two bad combinations that no one wants to deal with. Ensure that you turn off the electricity before entering the water to turn off the water source or move your belongings.

Extension cables, sockets, and appliances can electrify the water when they come into contact with it, making it unwise to step into it.

For your own safety, turn off the electricity from outside the house or business establishment. Contact an electrician or wait until a water damage restoration professional arrives, to shut the electricity off for you.

3. Expect the worst

Roof collapses, gas leaks, pest infestations, and faulty electrical systems are a few issues to be wary of when dealing with a flooded home.

Even though it's rare that all of these things happen all at once after a flood, it's still important to be ready and organized for each of them, just in case.

4. Wait until it is safe to enter

Following a flood, the best course of action is to avoid returning home until trained water damage professionals have determined it is safe to do so. This is owing to the multiple and diverse threats a flood brings, including contamination, mold growth, structural damage, and electrocution.

Not everyone, however, can altogether avoid returning home after a flood, so if you do, ensure it's safe enough for you to enter.

5. Put on non-conductive, water-resistant boots and gloves

Before entering a water-damaged location, property owners and company owners should be sure to get waterproof, non-conductive boots and gloves.

These crucial parts of protective clothing lower the chance of tripping and falling or unintentionally touching a live wire that may have been overlooked during the initial room sweep.

Eye protection is frequently advised in addition to non-conductive boots and gloves throughout the cleansing process.

6. Contact a water damage restoration team for assistance

The most effective approach to water damage restoration is to work with a reputable water damage restoration company. Your response to water damage in your house will determine whether you can swiftly recover from it. This challenging work entails so many tasks that managing it alone might be extremely difficult. You can rest assured of an efficient outcome when you hire a team of water damage experts.

Work with SERVPRO of Metairie

SERVPRO of Metairie is one of the best in the water damage restoration business for both residential and commercial water damage in Metairie. They have a team of IICRC-certified technicians available 24/7 to help you safely clean up your home or business space in the event of water damage.

Do you have a water damage emergency? Contact SERVPRO of Metairie at (504) 496-0193 to speak to a restoration professional.