Residential flood damage has numerous causes, including natural disasters, burst plumbing pipes, malfunctioning sump pumps, overflowing toilets, and broken water-using appliances. If you recently scheduled water restoration services for your Orange County home, the right preparation is key. Review how to prepare for this essential service to streamline the process as much as possible.

Turn Off The Electricity, If Possible

If you can safely access your main electrical panel to shut off the electricity, do so. It is a safety precaution for both your family and the water restoration team, since water is an electrical conduit and hanging live wires might be present in your home. If you cannot reach the main breaker because of floodwater, such as bacteria-heavy gray or blackwater, alert your crew to the situation. They have the experience and knowledge to safely shut down the electricity and other utilities off, such as the plumbing, to create a safe work environment. 

Do not enter any space in your home with contaminated water unless you have the appropriate gear, such as tall rubber boots. However, it is generally best to stay out of contaminated areas to avoid bacterial contact that can result in gastrointestinal illnesses. 

Ensure the House Is As Accessible As Possible 

Improving accessibility to your house helps the flood cleanup crew work efficiently, because they can navigate the space easily. Remove any furniture that is in hallways or would otherwise get in the way of the team members. If you can move furniture and other belongings that are in the path to the electrical panel and other utilities, do it. However, it is once again important to keep safety in mind. It is never worth risking exposure to harmful bacteria and pathogens, which your water restoration team will understand. 

Make Temporary Living Arrangements 

Since you cannot live in a flood zone, make arrangements to stay with family or friends while your house is worked on. Hotels and AirBnBs also provide options. Staying out of your house is more than a safety issue, as it allows the flood cleanup crew to work without distractions and therefore improve the project’s efficiency. Temporarily moving elsewhere is therefore a good idea even if the water damage to your home is minimal, such as a washing machine in your basement that malfunctioned and severely leaked.

 
For mold removal and flood cleanup services in the Los Angeles area, contact Mold Masters today.