Thursday, January 15, 2009

What To Do In Case Of Flood

With the heavy snows and below-freezing temperatures we’ve had lately around metro Detroit, water damage can suddenly be a very real problem. Whether from burst pipes or ice dams or any other source, if you suddenly find yourself in such a situation CALL US IMMEDIATELY!

With flooding time is of the essence. Drying with speed matters. You want to start drying A.S.A.P. before mold and mildew have a chance to start propagating. However here’s a few tips you can use to address the problem before the professionals arrive.

  • Think Safety First! Identify any safety hazards and address them immediately! Water is conducive to electricity, so watch out for any potential risk of shock. Water can also make walking surfaces slippery, so take care when crossing the wet surface.
  • Stop the source of the water. Until the leak or source is stopped, you can’t start drying. You might need to call a plumber. And of course, watch out for hazards.
  • Increased airflow. Airflow promotes evaporation, so if the weather permits, open the windows. If you can, place fans to blow over the affected areas and turn up the heat or air conditioning. You can also open doors, drawers, closets and cupboards in any affected areas to promote air movement.
  • Move or protect any furniture. If an item to too big or bulky to remove from the area, elevate it or place a protective surface underneath until professionals arrive. This will help prevent any potential rust or wood staining, and also protect the furniture from water damage.
  • Hang up or pin up drapes and pin up upholstery skirting. Don’t let these items hang in the water or touch the affected flooring.
  • Wash and dry any clothing and linens. Don’t put anything in plastic bags, as they will begin to mold.

    You might be tempted to dry the affected flooring, walls or furnishing. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TREAT THESE ITEMS YOURSELF! Let a trained and certified professional treat these items. Wood floors and furniture can easily be damaged when exposed to water. All of Liberty’s specialists are IICRC trained in Water Damage Restoration and know exactly what to do and how best to save your valuable items. Professionals have the tools and knowledge necessary to evaluate the damage and begin restoring your belongings to pre-loss conditions. Once the source is stopped and drying has begun, we will check back periodically to monitor progress until everything is completely dry. Our Thermal Energy System (TES) is great at drying safely with speed. The power of dry, heated air increases drying potential, allowing us to restore your home faster and safer, getting you back on track as soon as possible.

    Liberty offers 24 hour emergency service to Macomb County, Oakland County and Grosse Pointe MI. Call 586-872-3112 in case of emergency.

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