| The days immediately following a flood are the most | | | | check for loose or downed power lines, gas leaks, |
| crucial to the potential for recovering any personal | | | | structural damage, and any other potentially dangers. |
| property that may be damaged by the floodwaters. | | | | Call a qualified building inspector or structural engineer if |
| Hurried recovery tactics, however, can lead to further | | | | you suspect your building has sustained any dangerous |
| damage of your property and potential harm to | | | | flood damage. |
| yourself and your loved ones. To recover from a flood | | | | Once it has been determined that entering your home |
| safely and affectively: | | | | or office building is safe, the next step is to assess the |
| 1. Determine the type of flood experienced | | | | damage sustained to your valuables and personal |
| 2. Assess the damage that has occurred | | | | belongings. Not all damage means utter ruin. Water |
| 3. Determine the safest way to salvage belongings | | | | damaged photos, books or documents may not |
| Determine The Type of Flood Experienced | | | | necessarily need to be thrown out. Proper document |
| Floods vary by origin and damage. Floods can develop | | | | recovery techniques and document restoration |
| slowly and take days to reach their final peak. Flash | | | | companies can help you stem the loss of your most |
| floods, on the other hand, come about within a matter | | | | beloved belongings. Seek out a professional to help |
| of minutes from seemingly nowhere, typically caused | | | | you determine if any of your essential materials can |
| by a surge in rainfall in dry areas. Floods that occur | | | | be saved, even if you believe them to be beyond |
| near a defined lake or river are called overland floods | | | | repair. Quick response and attention to important |
| and are often weather related. Levee and dam breaks | | | | pieces may make the difference in its potential for |
| can also create flooded areas. | | | | restoration. |
| Stagnant floodwaters can be contaminated by oils, | | | | Determine The Safest Way To Salvage Belongings |
| fuels or sewage. If the flood is accompanied by a | | | | A dedicated document restoration service will be able |
| hurricane, earthquake or severe storm, downed power | | | | to help you determine the best system for saving your |
| lines can also electrically charge the water making it | | | | belongings. Many believe that the best technique for |
| entirely unsafe. Also, be wary of any wild animals in | | | | recovering your water-damaged personal effects is |
| post-flood areas. Experts recommend residents avoid | | | | the desiccant air dry distribution system. Not all |
| all areas with remaining floodwater until it recedes and | | | | companies offer this recovery service. The desiccant |
| never enter moving floodwater as it can very easily | | | | air dry technique is an energy-efficient and safe way |
| cause a loss of footing. | | | | of removing moisture from the air surrounding your |
| Dry areas may also be potentially dangerous after a | | | | belongings, allowing the water that is trapped inside |
| flood, depending on the severity. Floodwaters can | | | | them to evaporate quickly and harmlessly. |
| erode roads and walkways, making them dangerous | | | | When looking for a restoration specialists make sure |
| to traverse. Buildings can also be damaged. | | | | the system they use completely dries the materials. |
| Assess the Damage That Has Occurred | | | | Mold damage can occur long after a flood if valuables |
| Never immediately enter your home or office after a | | | | are not completely dry before they are returned. |
| flood - the floors and stairs may have sustained | | | | Simple steps taken in the first few days after a flood |
| damage and may no longer be safe. Instead, walk a | | | | can make a big difference in the long-term detriment |
| safe distance around your home's foundation and | | | | the waters cause a family, home or office. |