If your home looks like a river ran through it, you may feel as though you're swimming upstream as you attempt to restore it. That's because, after a flood, carpet, upholstery, hard flooring and structural components may appear to be ruined.
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) suggests taking the following initial steps to restore your home:
? Stay away from contaminated water or electrical hazards;
? If safe to do so, turn off circuit breakers supplying electricity to the wet area and unplug and remove small appliances from wet rooms; and
? Move furniture or raise on blocks to prevent moisture absorption and staining.
The IICRC recommends you do not attempt to handle things yourself, but hire a certified water restoration firm that employs professionals trained to assess and repair water damage. They can also locate hidden damage to ceilings, walls and contents caused by moisture in structural components.
Author: Stacey Moore
Author Bio:
Products that earn the ENERGY STAR prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. EPA and DOE. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov. Using energy efficiently at home can be as easy as changing a light bulb.
