Don’t Wait Call SERVPRO Right Away After Flood Waters in Orlando

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

If your Orlando home is overcome by storm and flood damage don't stress. Call the professionals at SERVPRO today for help.

What to Do After a Flood Damages Your Orlando Residence

Floods in Orlando can come from snow, heavy rain, storm surges or coastal storms, among other reasons. They can develop quickly or slowly, disrupt transportation, cause power outages, and ruin homes in various ways. Floodwater weakens drywall, and the paper facing can provide food for mold. If drywall is crumbly, soft, or moldy, it is necessary to replace it.

Water also ruins insulated appliances like ovens and refrigerators, and it may be impossible to salvage them if water has penetrated their insulation. When your Orlando home has flood damage, there are some best practices you can use within the first 24 hours to ensure the safety of your property and family. These practices can also provide you with the best outcome with your insurance firm. They include:

Prevent additional risks

Check your property for any visible structural destruction like cracks, holes, warping and cracked or loosened foundation elements before entering it. If you suspect damage to gas, water, sewer, and electric lines, call utility companies to perform the requisite inspections.

Secure your home 

If some windows are broken, place boards over them. If the roof is ruined, secure a tarp to protect it. Take photos to prove to your insurer that you have taken precautions to protect your property against further destruction.

Protect your health 

It is advisable to wear waders, waterproof boots, and rubber gloves to avoid contaminants as you remove water-damaged possessions from your house. Throw out any foodstuffs that could have come into contact with the water. The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends boiling water until the authorities confirm that the water supply is safe.

Contact your insurance firm.

Inform your insurance representative about the state of your house and the repairs you intend to perform. Follow the directions of the insurance company on whether you should wait for an adjuster to inspect your house before making repairs. Document the conversations at each stage.

Remove the water

You can use a shop vac to remove the water from your home. Also, open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate. Our SERVPRO Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRT) can assist you in removing the water using portable pumps or wet/dry vacuums.

Dry your property

To dry your home effectively, you must eliminate moisture from the structure and contents as well as the air. Our technicians use air movers, industrial-grade dehumidifiers, and specialized drying equipment such as inject dry systems to remove moisture from a building.

Sanitize your home

 We categorize floodwater as black water, which is threatening to human health. Contaminants in floodwater include hazardous chemicals and microorganisms like viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Our SERVPRO Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRTs) can use flood disinfectant solutions to disinfect your home to prevent health issues.

When you need flood damage cleanup services in Disney World, Lake Buena Vista or Winter Garden, contact the restoration team at SERVPRO of West Orange for quick restoration. Our 24-hour emergency helpline is (407) 352-1569.

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