Flood Damage in Your Port Orange Home

2/26/2020 (Permalink)

Our crews will have you out of the water in no time.

SERVPRO Knows the Steps to Take After Experiencing Flood Damage in your Port Orange Home

Floods are nothing new to most Floridians, and although our homes are built to withstand flooding, dealing with the aftermath is never pleasant. It may be particularly overwhelming if your house sustained other hurricane or storm-related damages, and you are suddenly faced with making insurance claims while you are attempting to restore your home. You need to mitigate further damage by dealing with issues quickly.

Flood damage in your Port Orange home most likely means that the floodwaters receded, and now you are left with the cleanup. As floodwaters belong to category three water, meaning they may carry dangerous illness-causing bacteria and contain contaminated debris.

The first two most important steps in mitigating microbial growth are:

1) Removing the moisture after the flood by thoroughly drying the environment and reducing humidity levels through the use of high-velocity air movers and dehumidifiers. 

2) Removing contaminated materials such as soaked drywall or carpet, to either be cleaned and restored offsite or to be disposed of safely.

After SERVPRO restoration technicians complete these two crucial steps, they use chemical agents to help control microbial growth. However, as noted by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), the use of chemical agents alone is not effective in attacking microbial growth, stressing the importance of the first two steps. With that said, chemical disinfectants play an essential part in slowing microbial growth where technicians suspect contamination.

It is important to:

1) Use an EPA-registered broad-spectrum disinfectant such as SERVPRO's Sporicidin®, Concrobium®, or Microban®. 

2) Pay attention to the product label, mixing accurate dilution ratios, and applying as specified.

3) To be effective, ensure physical contact with all contaminated areas and surfaces. This includes subfloor, tackless strip, walls, and wall bottom plates, even if direct contamination is not confirmed as these materials typically encourage microbial growth and odors. 

4) Make sure that the chemical solution dwells on surfaces for enough time to be effective according to the label. Technicians also maintain appropriate temperatures and pH levels for effectiveness. 

5) Apply a deodorizer like SERVPRO's Wintergreen® to carpets and fabrics to reduce potential odors after a flood.

During the cleanup process following a flood, SERVPRO restoration specialists ensure a safe work and living environment, wearing whatever personal protective equipment (PPE) deemed necessary and evacuating residents if needed. 

For 24/7 assistance, contact SERVPRO of South Daytona Beach / Port Orange (Florida License Biohazard: 64-64-1785570) at (386) 788-0358.

Learn more about Port Orange.