Having to face a flood is not an easy ordeal and can be pretty dangerous. Even after the immediate dangers of a flood have passed, you are not yet out of the woods. There are many potential long-term hazards caused by a flood that can put your health in serious jeopardy.
Water Damage Cleanup Owasso
Here are four dangers our water damage restoration professionals at Oklahoma Disaster Restoration commonly encounter.
Disease-Carrying Pests
Pests like mosquitoes, ticks, cockroaches, and termites are all attracted to moisture. Thus, a flooded home is like a vacation spot for them. These pests also carry dangerous diseases. Having them in your home poses a serious safety threat that should not be taken for granted. Your best bet for preventing a pest infestation after a flood is to have the floodwater removed as fast as possible before any bugs decide to take up residence there.
Structural Damage
A flood can cause significant structural damage in your home and you may not even be aware of it in some cases. This happens when the force from a flood destabilizes the structure of your home but not in a way that is immediately visible. This can also happen if the structural integrity of your home is compromised after prolonged exposure to water. Either way, this poses a serious safety threat because parts of your home’s structure could be in danger of failing without your knowledge.
Electrical Problems
Because of water’s electrical conductivity, you need to be especially cautious regarding electrical problems after a flood. If a wire is damaged and your electricity is still on, it could be sending a live electrical charge through the floodwater. To avoid this hazard, you should turn your electricity off after a flood before you come into contact with any of the floodwater. If you cannot reach your electrical panel, you can also call your electrical company and ask them to do it for you. This is a simple measure, but it can make all the difference in ensuring your safety after a flood.
Mold Growth
Where water damage is mold often follows. Mold only needs between 1-2 days to begin spreading through your home after a flood. Even small amounts of moisture that get left behind can become breeding grounds for mold growth. Mold is a health concern because of the toxic spores it releases into the air. For those with healthy immune systems, this usually just leads to minor allergy-like symptoms. However, for those with compromised immune systems, sustained exposure to mold spores can have significant health consequences causing things like bronchitis and all kinds of other respiratory-related issues
All in all, though the damage from a flood can be severe, the safety hazards resulting from the flood can be even worse. If your home ever floods, give us a call at Oklahoma Disaster Restoration today so we can help you take care of the damage and keep you safe in the process.