How To Begin the Drying Process Before the Professionals Arrive

6/19/2022 (Permalink)

Drying office after water cleanup in Kensington, CA.

How To Begin the Drying Process Before the Professionals Arrive

When your Kensington, CA, commercial building floods from a broken pipe, time is of the essence. Water damage begins immediately and doesn't stop until you have eliminated all the moisture. You can follow several damage tips to get the process started while waiting for the professionals to arrive on the scene. 

1. Practice Safety After a Pipe Burst
First and foremost, after discovering standing water, you must take precautions to ensure everyone's safety. Before implementing the cleaning tips, one essential step is to shut off the electricity to the affected area or the entire building. Otherwise, an electric current could be flowing through the water, putting anyone who contacts the water at risk. 
Also, keep others, including children and pets, out of the area until it is completely restored. Limiting access will help avoid accidents. 

2. Extract the Water
You must extract as much of the standing water as possible as soon as possible. People offering water damage tips often suggest using a wet/dry vacuum to remove water. If you don't have access to a wet/dry vac, you can use mops and towels. 

3. Remove and Sort the Contents
Next, it's time to clear as many of the contents as possible from the affected area. This will enable you to clean more effectively and determine what is salvageable and what isn't. 

4. Dry the Area and Contents
When you get the area cleared, begin the drying process. This is the most critical part of mitigating the water damage and preventing mold growth. Mold spores can start growing within 24 hours of water exposure. Disaster restoration professionals have the expertise and industrial equipment to ensure the space is dried thoroughly. You can use fresh air, fans, heaters and dehumidifiers. 
Hopefully, you will never be faced with a water disaster at your business in Kensington, CA. However, knowing these damage tips beforehand can prove helpful if the worst occurs.