As Spring fast approaches, so do major spring showers and with them the possibility of major flooding that can damage both your home and all of your appliances. While there is very little that you can do to prevent flooding in your home there are things that you can do to minimize the damage to your home as well as minimizing the risk that is involved with water damaged home appliances. While it is always recommended that you have a professional like Florida Dry come to inspect any storm and water damage to your home, here are a few things to keep in mind when dealing with potential water damaged home appliances.
Prepare for the Storm: Unplug Appliances When You Know a Storm Is Coming
While nobody can predict flooding in your home that will cause severe water damage, most of the time you can predict when a gib storm is coming. If your local weather service has sent out an advisory warning for potential flooding in your area, you should heed the warning and prepare your home to minimize the damage to your home appliances. Unplugging your large appliances such as your refrigerator and other large appliances can help prevent the potential danger of entering a room that is filled with electrically charged water.
Don’t Go Into a Flooded Basement or Area That Is Still Flooded
With that being said, never enter a room or a basement that is still flooded. Apart from the increased risk of an electricity and water combo, floodwaters can often carry bacteria from sewage and other unclean water sources that can cause infections and lead to disease.
Don’t Turn on the HVAC
Flood water can promote the growth of mold spores in your home within air vents and air ducts where it is dark and now humid. After a flood, the last thing that you will want to do is turn on your HVAC unit and spread mold spores across your home.
Beware of Mold in Your Refrigerator
As is the case with your HVAC unit, there may be mold living in your refrigerator thanks to the excess water and perishable foods in the refrigerator and freezer. One of the most common places that you will find mold growing in a water-damaged refrigerator is on the food and in the water filter. You will want to inspect the entire refrigerator and replace the water filter as well.
Wait for a Professional to Inspect the Damage
While you may be able to notice the obvious water damage that has caused occurred in your home, it is best to have a trained professional inspect all water damage to your home and to your water damaged home appliances. The experts at Florida Dry can inspect the damage and advise you as to what the next steps would be to get your home restored back to normal following a storm. Contact us today.
