Water Damage Cleanup: Safety First

If it comes to water damage cleanup, safety should always be a notable feature. Standing water may harbor a variety of germs and chemicals. If your home has sustained a leak or a flooding, think carefully about security before diving to DIY cleanup. Identify likely dangers, take precautions, and be certain that to have the right safety gear before you begin working.

COMMON HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP
There are two major dangers with water damage. Water that starts out contaminated poses a huge problem. As an example, you should never wash sewer yourself. This water carries risk of contracting severe illnesses. Sewage water is not the only water that is deemed risky. Water which may be contaminated with compounds also poses a risk during water damage cleanup. If the leak happens in your garage, under your bathroom sink, or other area that's very likely to collect harsh cleaners or other household chemicals, exercise extra care during cleanup.

In addition to inherently contaminated water can become contaminated over time. Stagnant water is the most hospitable to mold and germs. When a pool of water was sitting for more than a couple of hours, assume that something has begun to grow. The speed that wash water becomes dangerous is very quick. It's always better to be safe than sorry when dealing with water leaks.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS BEFORE CLEANUP BEGINS
Step one in water damage cleanup is assessing whether or not you're equipped to handle it. If the water is obviously polluted, it is best to call a water damage restoration company. Sewage, chemical contaminated, or stagnant water that's cloudy should be handled by professionals. If you are aware that the leak is clean and recent, you are able to move to the next steps of water damage cleanup.

Make certain all sockets are disconnected. Switch off the power to the space, if not the whole residence. If you're going to use electric gear to help dry up the water, use extension cords and plug them far away in the water. But don't do so until all standing water was removed. Once you're coping with soggy carpet and not standing water, you can begin to use equipment to eliminate water.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT DURING CLEANUP
The final step before diving with your mop and bucket is making certain that you have the ideal safety gear. Don't go in unprepared. Be certain that the water is clean and fresh before entering an area. Protecting your skin is the first requirement. Make sure to wear boots with long trousers tucked into them. It's likely to step on something hidden under the water. Bandage cuts and open wounds, this removes exposure to polluted water.

Simple masks provide additional protection through water damage cleanup. While maybe not a fool-proof approach, masks help protect your lungs from any chemical traces present in the water. Contaminated water does not always seem dangerous, so take precautions even if you believe the water is safe.

Water damage cleanup could be harmful. If you are facing a leak or a flooding, take the opportunity to stay safe. Ask yourself whether the water is safe for you to wash yourself. Turn off electricity before you put in an area with water damage. Remember to not use powered equipment in standing water. Focus on your own safety gear. If at least one of these areas are beyond your means, do not risk it: contact a professional water damage restoration team.