Water Damage Cleanup: The Need For A Professional Eye

When water damage affects your Riverside home, the first thing you will probably do is try to determine just how bad the damage is. From small leaks to major floods, all water damage problems should be cleaned up as quickly as possible in order to mitigate any further damage. If you are debating whether or not you need to call for professional water damage cleanup help, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Let licensed and trained professionals handle any and all water damage cleanup because there are many hidden dangers associated with water damage.

Water Damage Cleanup In Riverside

Depending on the extent of the water damage, there could be some serious safety issues. It is important to never enter a water-damaged area until a safety assessment has been performed. The first thing you should do is turn off the electricity to the home, especially in the area that has sustained the water damage. Water and electricity do not mix, and submerged electrical appliances and outlets, or any wiring that has been exposed to water, can cause serious electrical shock. 

Because water damage can compromise the structural integrity of the home, it is important to be sure that ceilings are not sagging, floors are stable, and walls are not cracking or bowing. If you notice any structural compromises, stay out of the home or area. 

If you are unsure how long the water has been present, and it could be longer than 24 hours, do not enter the area without the proper protective equipment. Water can carry a lot of harmful contaminants and supports bacterial and microbial growth when it is allowed to sit stagnant for 24 hours or more. Water from an unclean source is also considered contaminated and requires the proper safety equipment to keep you from inhaling toxins, spores, and other harmful substances when in the area. 

If water damage has been present for 24 hours or more, you should prepare for mold problems as well. Mold can grow in as little as 24 hours following water damage, and is able to reproduce through tiny microscopic spores. These spores travel through the air, and can lead to some serious health threats to all those who are exposed. Respiratory symptoms like coughing, sneezing, congestion, runny nose, sore throat, trouble breathing, and increased asthma symptoms are just a few of the effects that mold exposure can cause. Because mold can be dangerous, it is important to not waste any time getting the water damage cleanup process started.

It is also important to keep in mind that floors will be slippery following water damage, and objects may have moved or shifted as a result of the water damage, so extreme caution should be used to avoid slipping and falling. Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common causes of injury during water damage cleanup and restoration projects, so try to avoid the area if possible. 

These dangers and risks associated with water damage should not be taken lightly. Do not expose you or your family to unnecessary harm when dealing with water damage, and leave the cleanup process entirely to the professionals at PRC. With the proper training, experience, and equipment we can safely handle water damage cleanup as quickly as possible.