Redding isn’t known for being exceedingly wet – not like Seattle or Great Britain, at least. In fact, we typically have more concern over fires and smoke. However, we do get a share of rain, maybe a little snow, and we are located at the confluence of over a dozen creeks as well as the Sacramento River. Cold weather also brings the possibility of leaky roofs or busted pipes, and a faulty clothes washer might forget to turn off the water cycle. Any of these could lead to flooding in your home. So, if your home becomes subject to a flood of water, what can you do?
Safety First
The safety of you and your loved ones is the primary concern. Watch for weak structures and tripping or slipping hazards. Regardless of a sudden or gradual flood entering your home, vacate safely and promptly. Keep calm, make sure each person is accounted for and clear of hazards. Do not invite danger by rifling through the home for supplies – absolutely no material possession you might retrieve is worth your life.
If you can get to your junction box or natural gas line, turn them off. If not, then as soon as you have the opportunity, contact your utility companies like Redding Electric Utility or PG&E to cut off the sources until the area is secured and cleared by the proper authorities. Besides, you certainly don’t want to be charged for what you’re not using.
After the Flood
As when you left, beware of debris and structural changes. Make sure of your footing when walking around. You might not have standing water in the home anymore – in fact you might not even feel squishing in the carpet as you inspect the damage. However, within as little as a forty-eight hours after flooding things like mold, mildew and bacteria spread through your walls, floors and carpet. Just because you don’t hear or feel the water doesn’t mean there isn’t enough residue to let that bad stuff spread.
If possible, pull back your carpet to let it dry, and take note of any discolorations. It’s also wise to take photos of damage for insurance purposes. If your power is turned back on, try increasing the ambient heat to at least seventy-five degrees to help the moisture evaporate. Also, position and run any fans you have available to keep the air moving.
All Is Not Lost
Just because your home got flooded, it does not mean your carpet is unsalvageable. Even if the water somehow came from the Iron Mountain mine, Preferred Carpet Care in Redding has moisture remediation techniques and water damage restoration processes that save your carpet. We use the latest technology and equipment, over fifty years of experience, and our IICRC certifications to determine the extent of damage and address it. Depending on the issue, we can sometimes treat the interior of walls to make sure that mold, mildew or bacteria don’t have a place to hide.
When your safety is assured, then your home can be addressed. Preferred Carpet Care is here to help your carpet recuperate from any flooding experience. If you’d like more information about flood preparation or what Preferred Carpet Care can do for your carpets, give us a call or scheduled a free consultation online.