According to Ready PA, flooding is the most common natural disaster that affects Pennsylvanians. If it happens to your home, you know that you need to move fast to protect your family and save your property. Here are some tips on where to start when removing floodwater from your home.
Begin With Safety Supplies
As tempting as it is to go out and get the tools you need to start moving the water right away, it’s crucial to recognize that floodwater isn’t just water. Protective clothing like durable rubber gloves, masks, and waterproof outerwear all keep the potential hidden glass and live animals from harming you as you wade through.
Use a Pump System
Investing in a pump is the perfect place to start when removing floodwater from your home. Wet/dry vacuums help you quickly remove water from ground-level areas like living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. Sump pumps are better suited for flooded basements where you need to move the water outside to the ground level.
If you live in an area prone to frequent flooding, buying a sump pump now will also help prevent full-blown home flooding in the future.
Bring Out the Squeegee
The next step is the most tedious but no less important than the others. The pump can only do so much to remove floodwater from your home, as these big units leave behind water in corners and crevices in exchange for the ability to move massive amounts of water quickly.
Use a squeegee to meticulously move through your home and push the water either outside or to the pump. While best suited for flat surfaces like tiled kitchens and bathrooms, rug washing squeegees come in handy after floodwater meets your carpets. Apply heavy pressure and use the paddle squeegee to force water from the fibers and give drenched carpets a chance to breathe.
Once you’ve finished removing floodwater from your home, there’s still work to do. The damp environment left behind is perfect for mold growth, so it’s vital to be proactive and take steps against mold before it overwhelms your belongings and home. Speed is the name of the game here, so don’t hesitate to break out those box fans the moment the floodwater is gone!
