The effects of a flood can be very far-reaching. The negative consequences and threats to your safety can continue on for weeks, months, and even years after the initial flood. Below are the three hazards most people deal with after a flood. Don’t hesitate to give us a call at MA Restoration in Worcester so our restoration experts can help you prevent these hazards from coming up after a flood.
Structural Damage
Flooding can cause structural damage to a home in two main ways. First, a flood can cause damage when the force of the water is enough to damage the structure of the home. This typically only occurs in large floods caused by natural disasters. The flow of water from smaller issues, such as broken pipes, isn’t strong enough to cause any immediate damage. The second type of damage, however, can occur no matter the source of the flood. This occurs when floodwater accumulates in your home and causes gradual deterioration. The key to preventing this type of damage is removing the water and drying out all remaining moisture as soon as possible.
Mold
Anytime there is water damage, mold damage is likely to follow. This is such a common problem because mold will grow anywhere there is excess moisture, and it is very difficult to remove all the remnants of moisture after a flood. Once mold begins to grow, the severity of its impact varies. For one, it can cause serious damage to the structural integrity of your home. If mold is allowed to grow within your walls, then sometimes the only way to effectively remove it is to tear down the walls. Mold also poses a health issue. Those who are sensitive to mold can experience minor symptoms such as nasal stiffness, throat irritation, coughing, and eye irritation. For those more seriously affected by mold they may experience more alarming health risks such as upper respiratory tract symptoms, bronchitis, and even the development of asthma in those who didn’t previously suffer from it.
Contaminated Water
Floodwater often contains harmful bacteria and microorganisms. If your home is flooded, it is always best to assume that the floodwater is dangerous and should be avoided unless you are positive it comes from a sanitary source. The health effects stemming from contact with contaminated water can be very serious. It can lead to deadly diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery. The worst kind of contaminated to be aware of is water that contains sewage. Only professional restoration experts should handle the cleanup of floodwater that contains sewage. Ingestion, or even contact, with sewage-contaminated water should be avoided at all costs and can even lead to death in serious cases.
If you find your home flooded, don’t hesitate to give us a call at MA Restoration in Worcester. Our professional restoration experts will help you repair the damage to your home and avoid the aforementioned hazards.