Every year, millions of homeowners have to deal with water damage emergencies. When water floods a home from a ruptured pipe, broken dishwasher, or severe weather, stress and worry multiply. Thankfully, a reliable water damage restoration company can come alongside distressed homeowners to minimize anxiety and help them quickly recover from the disaster.
If homeowners are confronted with an extensive water damage incident, they must prioritize the safety of their family and any other residents in the home. Major Restoration Services, a York, PA, damage restoration company, is highlighting eight safety tips to help people handle a water damage emergency. The safety tips listed below are intended for incidents involving water damage that originates from inside the house. Damage caused by severe weather, flooding, or a tornado presents issues beyond the scope of internally sourced water damage scenarios.
1. Remain calm and try not to panic.
Large scale water damage can be devastating. Just thinking about having to replace furniture and camp out in a hotel until the house is repaired can trigger a cascade of stressful emotions. Concerns about lost heirlooms and valuables add to the anxieties. However, homeowners can take comfort in the fact that an experienced and qualified water damage restoration team can promptly begin the restoration process and return life to normal as soon as possible.
2. Beware of electrical hazards.
In a water damage situation, the first task is to ensure that everyone is safe. Before locating the source of the flooding and turning off the water, identify and resolve any potential electrocution risks. Do not step in the water until checking for electrical issues. Cords from appliances and power strips can be highly dangerous if they make contact with water, and they pose a fire hazard. Turn the power off from outside the home and continue to exercise caution.
3. Check for a chemical or sewage leak before entering the home.
The presence of harsh chemicals or raw sewage in the water presents a health risk. If family members smell a strong odor or if they experience burning eyes or irritated skin, chemical contamination of the water is likely. If chemicals or sewage is present, the homeowner will want to ensure that the substances are not tracked throughout the house.
4. Put on protective clothing.
Wear protective clothing such as rubber gloves, goggles, waders, and a mask or respirator. If homeowners use these safeguards, they can protect themselves from mold, bacteria, mildew, sewage, and toxic chemicals.
5. Find a safe light source.
If the power must be turned off to avoid electrical hazards, use a flashlight, electric lantern, or headlamp to light the house. Without adequate lighting, homeowners risk tripping over fallen objects, cutting themselves on broken glass, or slamming into furniture.
6. Be very careful of slip and fall risks.
Wet flooring is highly slippery. When investigating the water damaged area, wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear that offers stability, and avoid sudden fast movements. Homeowners should not remove their shoes when walking in water because they could step on a sharp object or expose their feet to chemicals that cause burns.
7. Avoid lifting heavy items.
Water weighs down absorbent materials and can make pillows, rugs, clothing, and carpeting heavier than normal. Underestimating the weight of a water-logged item and then lifting it can cause back injuries or muscle strain.
8. Call a water damage restoration specialist.
When a 2,000 square foot basement fills with just a foot of water, the basement contains approximately 15,000 gallons. Using only buckets and a shop vacuum, a homeowner is simply unable to remove this much water. Letting the water subside on its own not only takes weeks, but it also creates even more damage and encourages mold growth.
Homeowners do not have to wade through the aftermath of a disaster on their own. Water damage restoration specialists, such as the team at Major Restoration Services, can take care of the entire restoration process. Major Restoration Services offers 24/7 emergency response to water damage situations and will provide service 365 days a year. Immediate response is vitally important because the majority of the damage occurs within the first few hours of the leak or rupture. In times of crisis, Major Restoration Services walks beside the homeowner through each step of the process, from mitigation to the rebuild. The company works directly with clients and their insurance providers to return the home to its pre-loss condition.
For water damage restoration services in South Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland, contact Major Restoration Services by phone at 717-855-2367 or visit the website at www.majorrs.com.
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