Avoid These Dangers During a Flood

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

Don't wait to call our SERVPRO Team after a flood!

SERVPRO Extracts Flood Waters to Mitigate Damage

Flood damage is exceedingly dangerous, for both homes and lives. Floods have the power to swamp and drown residents, as well as cause them serious injury or infection. To homes, they can seep and flow into not only furniture but also the structure itself, causing immense water damage. Furthermore, floodwaters are usually unsanitary and can cause dangerous airborne and water carried illnesses and mold, which may cause health effects. Avoidance is the best way to skirt issues and hazards caused by flooding. So watch out for heavy rains or floodwaters in the street, and keep upstairs if possible.
 
Infection and Illness
One of the most common injuries sustained after flood damage in Elyria is an infection. Floodwaters breed and transport dangerous microbes, and because they often mix with sewage and overflow materials, diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and others can occur. Any water ingested or entering wounds has serious potential to lead to illness or infection, hence why you should exercise extreme caution and avoid entering floodwaters when possible. Also, some microbes, pathogens, and viruses may spread through the air or emit toxic gasses, and so the air surrounding flooded areas may also be hazardous to breathe.
 
Cuts and Wounds
Floodwaters often carry shards of wood, glass, and ceramic that may cut or stab into exposed flesh. These can cause blood loss and pain, in addition to opening up a wound for infection. Should you be cut anywhere in a flood-soaked area, immediately seek to disinfect and bandage the wound to prevent acute infection.
 
Further Damage to the Home
SERVPRO lists on our website some ways that you can help clean up before our technicians arrive following a flood. Be careful to stick to these recommendations and avoid danger, as there is a chance that you may cause further damage to your home. Allow our trained IICRC technicians in water restoration to be the first to begin serious work, for the sake of both you and your insurance.
 
SERVPRO of The North Coast is a locally owned and operated company with trained technicians and high-quality equipment prepared to deal with any flooding disaster, large or small. Call us today at (216) 221-3333 for our help or services.