In many areas throughout the country, natural disasters are simply a fact of life. If you live in an area prone to flooding, there's a high likelihood that you'll experience this event in your home sooner or later. Flooding damage can range from an inch or two of water seeping into your first floor to major disasters that fill your entire home.
While you might think you got "lucky" if only a few inches of water entered your home, the truth is that there's no such thing as a minor flooding event. Outside flood watering entering a home is always a major disaster with potentially serious consequences for the structure. If you think you can clean up minor flood damage yourself, check out these three reasons why even small floods can be dangerous.
1. Flood Water Contamination
Nearly every inhabited part of the United States will contain a municipal drainage system that helps deal with excess water and flooding. When streets begin to flood, it means this system is already overflowing. Unfortunately, there's no way to know the origin of this water, and flood waters may contain everything from industrial runoff to human waste.
It's important to treat any water that enters your home the same way you would treat a sewage backup. Not only is it necessary to remove the water and dry out your house, but you'll also need to consider proper disinfection and cleaning. In most cases, it will take a professional restoration company to perform this task effectively and safely.
2. Long-Term Moisture Problems
Cleaning up a glass of spilled water is usually pretty easy, partly because the water can't travel very far. However, even an inch of water on your floor can travel into many unexpected locations. This water will find small gaps in walls or your floor, allowing it to seep into your basement or saturate insulation behind your walls.
Proper restoration involves locating this hidden water damage and removing or drying the affected parts of your home. Any areas you miss can create serious problems in the future, including dangerous mold growth. A professional restoration service will ensure that no moisture remains behind to threaten your health in the future.
3. Electrical Hazards
Electrical hazards are another flooding issue that is often easy for homeowners to miss. An inch or two of flood water usually won't reach your wall outlets, but that doesn't mean it can't affect your home's electrical system. Water that drips through the floor or behind walls can enter your basement, shorting out or damaging wiring or electrical equipment in your home.
Unfortunately, these problems aren't always apparent at first glance. The best way to avoid damage that may lead to future shock or fire hazards is to have water damage experts thoroughly evaluate your home. This inspection will ensure you aren't living in a house with hidden electrical dangers.
For more information, contact water disaster restoration specialists near you.