STEP 1: Assess the Situation for ety in Cincinnati, Ohio
Remember: Mitigating and remediating a water emergency can be difficult and expensive—but not nearly as costly, or difficult as incurring health issues at the same time. Proceed carefully. Follow these steps.
Electrical: You may be stepping into a puddle more welcoming to an electric eel than to you. Seeing your basement flooded might not be your only shock! Be cautious.
Slip, Trip and Fall: Water on almost any surface is slippery. Step carefully (no bare feet), or you may be doing the backstroke.
Falling Material: Drywall and ceiling panels become very heavy when wet. They may no longer be safely attached to the ceiling. Take no chances. If ceilings or walls fall, you are at risk for serious injury.
Bio-Hazards: Depending on the source of the flooding, the water on your floor may contain viruses, bacteria, and other dangerous pollutants. Restoration specialists call this “black water” and you should only enter wearing protective gear—gloves and boots at a minimum. Immediately, decide on “basement shoes” that you remove on the top step. Do not wear those shoes in any other part of the house. Prevent contamination elsewhere!
Ventilation: Depending on the interior conditions, as well as ongoing weather, it may be a good idea to open windows to ventilate the damaged area. With “black water” it is advisable to turn off your HVAC to prevent contamination to the rest of the house.
STEP 2: If possible, STOP THE SOURCE in Cincinnati, Ohio
Turn off the main water line into the home. (Know where it is before you need to do this!)
Check the sump pump. A good shake may activate the pump and at least keep the situation from getting worse.
Do not use toilets or sinks until you have determined that the back up is/is not sewage. If it’s sewage, flushes will just send more “sewage” into the mess.
STEP 3: Call the Experts—APKE TOTAL RESTORATION in Cincinnati, Ohio
If the flooding is rain related and you see that you’ll need help, call immediately. Good contractors will be getting calls and you want to be high on the list. They, like your basement, can get backed up quickly! A good contractor will also know how to assess what may be hidden damage to drywall, crawl spaces, and other areas. You don’t want mold issues later.
If the flooding is sewage related—“black water”—stay clear of the area and wait for the arrival of the experts!
STEP 4: Take Photographs of Damaged Areas and Contents in Cincinnati, Ohio
STEP 5: Remove Furnishings in Cincinnati, Ohio
-remove furniture, as possible, and dry wet surfaces
-place aluminum foil under legs of furniture that cannot be
moved
-remove valuables, art, books, area rugs
-lift drapes, use coat hangers to suspend from rods
-remove pillows, fabrics, cushions to a dry area
-remove clothing, furs, leather to dry area; hang to dry
WASH HANDS AND REMOVE SOILED CLOTHING AND SHOES
STEP 6: Call your Insurance Agent in Cincinnati, Ohio
You may or may not file a claim, but it’s important to call. Tell the agent only what you know for certain. Do not speculate on causes.
DO NOT
-Do not wait to call the professionals. Flooding is serious.
-Do not enter any room where there is possible electrical or
structural damage.
-Do not attempt to remove polluted/sewage water.
-Do not use the vacuum to try to remove standing water.
(use mop, towels or shop vac designed for water extraction)
-Do not use any electrical appliance while standing on wet
surfaces.
-Do not use newspaper to absorb water. Ink will stain surfaces.
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