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Water can be just as destructive as fire, but most people never consider this. Most people think only houses near rivers and streams can flood. But, a house can easily flood from the inside as well. A broken pipe or appliance connection can be just as devastating. When looking to begin emergency flood cleanup, Kennesaw homeowners can use these tips to make the process easier and ensure a dry house. Turn Off the Power Depending on where the water is coming from, this step can be tricky. If the water is coming from outside the house, the main power switch should be turned off as the water is rising but before it actually enters the house. This will prevent any outlets from sparking, starting a fire. But, if the water rose too fast or is coming from inside the house, turning off the power should never be attempted. Just touching a circuit breaker while standing in water can electrocute anyone. Even a small puddle can be extremely dangerous. The other consideration is getting a shock from appliances. Any electrical equipment in the house can create a shock long after the water has dried out. Dry Out the House Once the waters recede, it is time to begin drying the house out. The first step is to use a vacuum rated for water to clean up any standing puddles that are left. These wet vacuums are also good for getting excess moisture out of carpeting and furniture. Depending on how high the water reached, walls will need to be torn back to the studs to allow air to get in and dry them out. Often times, the drywall is severely water damaged and needs replacing anyway. Once everything is opened up and the excess water if removed, fans will help to circulate the air and ensure everything gets dry. Clean It Up The only real difference between flood waters and a busted pipe is how clean the water is. If the water problem comes from a pipe going to the bathroom or the washing machine, the water is clean and the area just needs to be dried out. If the water comes in from outside, this water can carry all kinds of disease-causing pathogens. Care needs to be taken to make sure all the affected areas are thoroughly cleaned. This can also be the case with a busted drain pipe in the house. The biggest factor with a flooded house is the development of mold. Mold likes to settle in warm, dark places that have plenty of moisture. This is why it is so important to get everything opened up and dried out. By limiting the areas the mold spores like, they never have a chance to multiply and create a problem. Any sign of moisture in a house can signal a very serious problem that can develop into a future need for emergency flood cleanup. Kennesaw homeowners should monitor any signs of moisture and fix the problem quickly.
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