3 Steps To Take After Sewer Backup Floods Your Home

4/11/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding in Hollywood, CA can cause downed trees, severed power lines and water damage throughout your neighborhood. However, one of the most distressing results of flooding is when sewage systems fail and cause a sewer backup in your home. The resulting mess can be difficult to handle when it first happens, but acting quickly and taking a few simple steps can help keep your home and family safe.

1. Evacuate Your Home

Flooding that contains sewage is known as black water and is usually harmful to people and animals. The water may contain chemicals, human waste and other pathogens that can cause serious illnesses. If a sewer backup occurs in your home, get everyone away from the flood waters and have them move to a safe area, such as a neighbor’s home. Do not allow anyone to enter flooded rooms to retrieve items.

2. Seal Off Main Entrances

Floods caused by rain water can travel quickly, even when it enters your home. Once you get your family to safety, seal your home’s entrances with thick, wide tape and plug any gaps with heavy cloth to prevent any water from leaking out. Be sure to wear gloves and a protective mask as you do this and make every effort to avoid touching the contaminated water.

3. Call a Storm Damage and Cleanup Company

Sewage floods are best handled by a storm damage and cleanup company, as their technicians have the training and equipment to handle the removal of dirty sewer water safely. Trash pumps and other machines will likely be employed to handle the worst of the mess, and flood techs can advise you about what other services you might require. These may include the tear out of damaged carpeting and drywall, as well as cleaning and deodorizing options.

When flooding in Hollywood, CA causes a sewer backup in your home, the results can be devastating. Knowing how to react calmly and knowing which steps to take can minimize damage and keep your family safe. Visit http://www.SERVPROnorthhollywood.com for more information on storm damage.