Anytime there is a flood, cleaning water damage will become priority one. This can become a very labor intensive chore and if not done correctly, can lead to dangerous mold and permanent damage to your home or business.

Flooding can occur from many different sources. Inclement weather, home appliances and leaking roofs are the most common. They can come quickly or be a slow leak that is difficult to notice. You have several things to take into consideration when there is water damage.

• First and foremost, make sure that you are covered financially. Many insurance policies don't cover floods. You will most likely be required to obtain a separate policy to cover this. Be sure to consider carefully before declining this coverage. Many mortgage companies will not require you to carry it if you aren't in a 100 or 500 year flood plain. Unfortunately, it can, and does, happen everywhere.
• Be very careful when working around water. Turn off all electricity before entering the structure. Wear rubber boots and gloves while working.
• Open windows and doors to allow for good air circulation. As you dry everything, there will still be lots of moisture in the air and this will be important. You can also use fans to help with the air movement.
• Use a wet vac to remove most of the water.
• Remove all items that are wet. Carpeting and padding will continue to allow your walls and furniture to get wet. Many times carpet can be dried, but padding is very difficult to do. It is usually best to throw it away and purchase new.
• Remove wet items from your home to the yard or garage. This will help to keep the moisture in the air down in your home or business.
• Place furniture on saucers or on wood blocks to keep it off of wet floors.
• Consider calling in a water damage professional for cleaning water damage. Especially if it affects your walls and ceiling. Mold will begin to grow quickly, usually within 24-48 hours. There will be a special process used to clean effectively inside the walls.