Floodwater Safety Tips During a Disaster in Naples, Florida

Is your place a flood-prone area? Flooding is one of the most common natural disasters in Florida, usually caused by sudden and heavy rainfall. This devastating natural event can change your life and may cost you a fortune of lost time and property value. When a natural disaster occurs, it’s important to have a company that covers your back in times of water damage restoration in Naples, Florida.

 

Experts in Water Damage Restoration and Cleaning Services in Naples.

DG Cleaning and Carpet Care LLC. has the cleaning expertise and years of knowledge in Water Damage Restoration in Naples, Florida to get your property back quickly as possible to avoid further damage. We use state of the art equipment and highly trained skilled technicians to take care of any unwanted water in your personal or commercial property. 

·         Emergency Water Damage Drying and Cleaning Services

·         House Cleaning

·         Pressure Washing

·         Mold removal

 

Property damage caused by severe flooding can be devastating to your property or business, and property restoration in Naples can be a complicated undertaking. Quickly review these floodwater safety tips to help you cope with the flood situation and protect your property.

 

BEFORE FLOODS

Preparation is vitally important. If you live in an area that is susceptible to flooding- or you don’t - it is still smart and safe to be prepared for the worst to come.   

 

Do a little research. Take time to do a little reading about flooding in Florida, especially if you are new to Florida. It would be wise to learn new terms like ‘flood watch’, ‘flood warning’, ‘flash flooding’, and hurricane categories. 

 

Prepare your emergency kit survival with at least three days of supplies which includes:

·         first aid kit

·         flashlight

·         extra batteries

·         multi-purpose tool

·         non-perishable food

·         water (one gallon per person per day)

·         battery-powered or hand-crank radio

·         portable or solar-powered phone chargers

·         seven-day supply of medications

·         sanitation and personal hygiene items

·         copies of important personal documents

 

Clean Up. Have your drainage systems unclogged from debris like dead leaves, scattered branches, and other small items.  Trim the branches of your trees especially near your house to protect your property against unwanted flying debris.     

 

Flash Flooding

Learn about flash flooding, should it occur, move immediately to higher ground. Do not hesitate and wait further from the instructions of officials to evacuate. Flash flooding is the most dangerous type of flooding due to its uncontrollable force and a large volume of flowing water that has accumulated over time. 

 

DURING FLOODS

When officials issue a flood warning in your area, follow the evacuation procedure. Stay on higher ground and wait for further instruction until the area is safe.  

 

If there is still time before evacuation, secure your home property.  Move your important items to the highest part of your house.   

 

Electrical main switches or valves should be turned off. Disconnect electrical appliances from wall outlets. Never touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

 

It is unsafe to walk in moving water. Six inches of moving water can sweep you off your feet. If possible, walk where the water is not flowing. You can use a stick to check the safety of the ground where you are stepping in.

 

Driving in Floods

If you happen to be driving when flooding occurs, turn around and drive the opposite way.

 

Never drive through flood waters. Worst case scenario, if the floodwaters rise around your car, get out of your car and move to higher ground. You and your car can be swept away in rushing floodwaters.

In a foot of water most vehicles can start to float, while two feet of rushing floodwater can carry away pick-up trucks and SUVs. 

 

AFTER  FLOODS

Listen to news reports for flood updates on your radio.

 

Avoid floodwaters as they are dangerous due to: 

·         contamination of raw sewage, gasoline or oils which leads to serious health hazards

·         may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines

·         crawling with dangerous animals like snakes, crocodiles, and poisonous small creatures

 

Try to avoid moving waters. There could be areas where floodwaters have receded and roads may have weakened and could collapse.

 

Avoid buildings or establishment that might be surrounded by floodwaters.

 

Be cautious when entering buildings, there could be hidden damage that could cause them to collapse at anytime.

 

Always clean, disinfect, and dry out wet items.   Floodwaters that go through your house may contain contaminated waste materials or chemicals.

 

Unfortunate events do sometimes happen if you or your property are caught in floodwaters causing damage throughout the area, stay calm and do not panic. Just remember to follow procedures and protocols. 

 

When the storm or hurricane has passed, and the flooding recedes the next step is cleaning up the debris and any salvageable items. 

 

Cleaning up after a flood is dangerous that can pose health risks. It is recommended to consult first with the professionals before re-entering your house, to be totally safe from hazards like structural collapse, electrical short circuits, and unexpected accidents.

 

Another reminder, if you are insured against floods it is best to take pictures of your property and belongings affected by the flood, before cleanup.

 

Mitigating Storm Damage in Naples

Let us help you with your home’s storm and hurricane damage repairs in Naples so you can get back on your feet and live normally again. 

 

Whatever hurricane and storm damage you have experienced in Naples, our highly skilled technicians are available 24/7 for emergency service whenever disaster strikes. You can trust the professionals in emergency water damage drying and cleaning services - DG Cleaning and Carpet Care LLC, we will work quickly and efficiently to getting your home fresh and clean. 

 

Our team of Emergency Water Damage Cleaning Services Naples has over 30+ years of experience protecting the Naples community from the effects of water damage, you’ll never have to worry about cleanup again.

 

Our Water Damage Drying Naples and Water Damage Restoration Naples will help reduce your risk of damage costs for your insurance company by contacting us at 239-438-4703, or through our website at https://www.dgcleaningandcarpetcare.com/contact-us/. The quicker you respond, the more money you’ll save in damages!

 

We also specialize in a variety of services including:

·         COVID - 19 / Coronavirus Deep Cleaning and Sanitation Services

·         Residential and commercial carpet cleaning 

·         Grout and tile cleaning

·         Upholstery cleaning 

·         Pool enclosure rescreening 

 

DG Cleaning and Carpet Care LLC services all of Collier County FL including Naples, Golden Gate, East Naples, Marco Island, Naples Park, Naples Manor, Pine Ridge, and North Naples.

How Can Flood Damage Affect your Home in Estero, FL?

Were you surprised to learn about the hidden dangers lurking under floodwater in your home or business? Well, you might also be surprised to learn of how can flood damage affect your home too.

The aftermath of water damage in Naples, Estero and Marco Island can be overwhelming. Every single surface that has been in contact with floodwater will need decontaminating and sanitizing – from floors and ceilings to soft toys and furnishings.

Bacteria can start to grow in standing water within hours and floodwater can transport a wide range of different diseases. Therefore, all surfaces that have been in contact with floodwater must be thoroughly cleaned before it is safe to reinhabit your home.

Floodwater can contain human and animal excrement, chemicals, petrol, and other toxins. It is extremely dangerous. Not only can it make you sick, but floodwater can also cause open wounds to become infected if it comes into contact with skin. These same bacteria will be deposited across every surface the floodwater has been in contact with so thorough decontamination and sanitation is essential. But decontamination and sanitation is only half of it. Floods can be devastating to a house.

Mold Damage

If your property isn’t thoroughly dry within 24 – 48 hours after being hit by a flood, then mold will start to grow, bringing with it its health concerns.

Carpets, plaster, dry lining, and wallpaper among other organic materials are the perfect breeding ground for mold spores. And once mold spores have established, they need nowhere near as much moisture to continue colonizing.

Content Damage

You are well-advised not to touch electrical appliances or your fuse box when returning home after a flood, especially if there is still standing water present. And nothing electrical should be touched until a qualified electrician tells you that it’s safe to do so.

Carpets and Flooring Damage

Water damaged carpet is incredibly difficult to clean. If it has been wet for over 24 hours, the likelihood of mold already growing in it is extremely high. Affected carpet must be removed as soon as you can to minimize the impact it has on the flooring underneath, particularly wooden floorboards which can begin to warp and rot.

Hardwood flooring, however, is likely to fare much better. Nevertheless, be prepared to remove sporadic boards to allow neighboring boards the chance to swell and expand without warping. Any padding underneath the flooring is likely to need replacing.

Tiled flooring may get away without permanent damage. But you may still need to take up the floor, or part of, to allow the materials and base underneath to adequately dry. Bear in mind, however, that the sealant or grout may have been affected and require replacing.

Be careful if you have natural stone flooring. While it may visually look unscathed, it can begin to show signs of damage months after the event. 

Plaster and Drywall Damage

If you have plaster walls and ceilings, they are much more likely to escape permanent water damage. However, you will probably need to remove the plasterboard to allow the affected walls and ceilings to dry thoroughly.

Depending on the severity of the flood, your house can come under a lot of strain and pressure from floodwater. It can push against the sides of your house, weakening its structure, particularly if it has an active current or waves. The continual movement of floodwater not only puts your house’s structure under constant strain, but it deposits sediment around the building, which only contributes to the pressure being suffered.

Never underestimate how dangerous floods are and just how much water damage they can do to your home, even if the resulting damage doesn’t appear to be too bad on the surface. You cannot see bacteria and pathogens that make you sick. And without adequate personal protective equipment and following adequate health and safety precautions, you are putting your health at risk if you attempt to clean up floodwater yourself.

Water damage emergency caused by a flood is always best handled by qualified and experienced water damage professionals like DG Cleaning and Carpet Care LLC who not only have the knowledge and expertise to deal with such situations but who also have the water damage drying equipment needed to fully dry, clean and sanitize your home.

See our Emergency Water Damage Drying and Cleaning Services page for more details on how disaster recovery and hygiene specialists can help.