This spring has seemed to bring mass flooding, broken levees and scrambled communities for a good chunk of the United States and Canada. Many home owners have found themselves unprepared and virtually helpless to the havoc this has caused for their homes; from severe water damage to the black mold growth which could consequentially follow. For some it has been merely their basements effected by the excessive water, and for others sometimes it’s the entire home. In those cases, the repair and rebuilding tends to be financially devastating. Here are some tips on dealing with the aftermath:
Borrow Or Buy A Subsidized Sump Pump
A sump pump is a water removal tool designed to pump out flooded basements, yards, ditches, etc. In the spring season, these tend to be in high demand so it’s best to keep one handy ahead of time. Prices tend to range in between $60 to $200, and depending how bad your area had been hit by flooding, the local municipal government may be offering subsidies on the equipment. For more information on this option, my suggestion would be to phone your local office. Otherwise, you may opt to borrow a sump pump from a friend or neighbour, which is another great option and could save you a bit of money.
Throw Out All Damaged Goods
The temptation will be strong to keep household items which weren’t affected too badly from the water damage. But these items are now hazardous to your health and must be discarded! Flood water contains many harmful contaminants including E. coli, coli form bacteria and lead. These seep into your furniture, floors and other items and because of this fact, direct contact must be avoided.
Get a Mold Inspection
Have a professional take a detailed look at your property after the cleanup to make sure there is no residual moist areas which would harbour dangerous black mold growth. A lot of these areas are usually in-between walls, in bathroom spaces, ceilings, and remain unbeknownst to the homeowner for extended periods. It usually takes until visible mold growth signs become prominent, or risky health side effects occur for the occupants and their family before action is taken for mold removal.
About The Author:
Kyle Gustin is a home improvement enthusiast from Winnipeg, Canada. The spring flooding of 2011 had brought on basement water damage in his home, as well as the need for specialized basement mold removal. Learn more about these topics by visiting the provided links to his 2 sites, FixWaterDamageGuide.com and MoldRemovalEasy.com!
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