Environmental Services Help: Some Warning Signs for Water Damage in Homes

Talk to any environmental services and hubzone certification pros like the Micah group, and they will inform you that basements are areas in homes that is most in danger to flooding. The basement is often the first victim of floods or leaks, as it is found in the bottom of the house, and is usually where all the pipes and whatnot are located. Hubzone certification is only one of the multiple services that the Micah group offers, but many do not know that among the many environmental services they offer, flooding repair is the most common! When a basement suffers from flooding, no time must be wasted in restoring the damage. For best results, experts must perform the clean up. It is preferred that a professional perform the cleanup instead of an untrained individual for safety’s sake. The problem with an untrained person performing the repair is that he may not even be the slightest bit familiar with the warning signs that show that the water damage may hold some sort of danger. There are far too many warning signs that should not be taken lightly. Environmental services expert, the Micah group, familiarizes us with common ones.

1. Gas and chemical odors- Perhaps the most important thing that professionals or even homeowners should always be alert of is the scent of gas or other chemicals in the basement. It is advised that even if slightest smellof gas is detected, then everyone should get out of the home, the smell of gas can be from a gas leak, which is afire hazard. In case of a gas leak suspicion, someone should call the gas company so they can deal with the damage. Always call through a neighbor’s house or a mobile, and never from your home. Also, if ever there is a chemical smell, it may be becauseordinary household chemicals may have created poisonous fumes when they got mixed in the flood. For example, ammonia added to chlorine bleach can be very toxic.

2. Submerged electrical outlets- homeowners should be warned of electric outlets which may have been submerged during the leak. There may be appliances in the basement that were left plugged in and may cause electrocution. If the homeowner knows for a fact that appliances or plugs were left in a flooded basement, no member of the home should attempt to go down. Instead, it is advised that the homeowner contact the electrical company ASAP and request for the electricity to be shut off in their home.

3. Molds- molds growing in the basementis another thing homeowners have to watch out for. Molds can grow and multiply indoors as long as they find moisture in the atmosphere. While some molds are considered harmless, other samples, such as black mold, are very dangerous and hazardous to human health. Homeowners should not take it on themselves to free their home from molds, without proper equipment. Let the experts do it!

In case of basement flooding, it can be very tempting for any homeowner to go right in and save as many items as possible. However, nobody should never sacrifice personal safety and the safety of your family for material things. Unless you are 100% sure it is safe and secure, don’t go down the basement, and let the experts take care of the problem!