Environmental disasters are unfortunately frequent and unpredictable. There is no way to prevent disasters like floods. What most people don’t realize is how much damage flooding can actually cause. Floods can cause more issues than ruined clothes or furniture.
Mold
Mold is an issue that can arise after a flood in the affect areas of the home. Mold can eat away at the integrity of the ceiling or wall that it grows on, as well as being potentially toxic for people and pets. It’s important to have mold removed immediately. To prevent mold, clean up flooded areas thoroughly and quickly once it is safe to do so.
Weakened Foundation
Strong floods with large currents can weaken the foundation of a home. Currents that are strong enough, paired with wind and other factors, have been known to sweep away homes entirely. Even if the home remains in place, floods can soften the wood of a home, seep into cracks and create leaks throughout the home’s foundation.
Electric Systems
It’s well known that electricity and water are not friends. Any system in your home that runs or generates electricity is subject to damage or destruction by flooding. Generators, electric outlets, washing and drying systems, and more can be rendered useless.
Increased Likelihood of Fire
Not only can water make your electricity-powered items useless, it can also make them dangerous. A running generator that is suddenly flooded has a high likelihood of shorting out and catching fire. Even after one of these systems is cleaned, water damage can still linger inside, and using these appliances can lead to a fire. It’s recommended that you keep all electric systems (such as washers, dryers, generators, etc.) above ground level if possible. You can also have electric outlets raised higher on the wall so they are less likely to be caught up in a flood.
Contamination
The water isn’t the only danger during a flood—it’s also what is in the water. Rainwater and flood water may sweep up anything in its path, including bacteria, chemical toxins and more. These contaminants can pose serious health risks to you and your family, especially if the flood water seeps into absorbent material such as rugs and blankets. Absorbent items involved in a flood should be thrown away in a safe manner to avoid any possible contaminants making any of your family sick.