Ways To Clean Your House After A Storm

When there’s a storm, the last thing you want to do is spend time cleaning up your house. Some people might think that it is a waste of time to clean up after a storm, but the truth remains: housework will help you feel more relaxed and less stressed. Most homeowners fear the aftermath of a storm much more than the destruction itself. You see, the roof, exterior walls, and other structures serve as a protective shield during a storm. But once the storm subsides, it’s crucial to assess the damages and take measures to prevent the shields from deteriorating. Minizming water damages are the first and foremost priority, followed by debris removal and electrical safety procedures.

Keep reading to learn more about cleaning your house after a storm.

Minimizing & Preventing Water Damages

Fierce storms and heavy rains set the stage for flooding, and you must do everything in your power to prevent a flood. Water gushing through your property will likely destroy everything in its wake, creating fire hazards and structural damages. It would help if you focused on preventing water from entering the home. If that’s not an option, you need to dry everything out to prevent moisture from seeping into the structure.

Drying out a property isn’t as easy as it sounds. If the water level is higher than any of the electrical outlets, vacate the property immediately. If the water reaches the main breaker or any outlets, it can create fire hazards. You don’t want to wade right into a pond of electrified water, risking your life and belongings. It’s wise to consult professionals for water damage restoration, as drying out electrified water demands a specialized skillset.

Professionals will bring in designated equipment and tools to prevent flooding and dry out your living spaces. They will provide thorough cleanup and eliminate water from all the nooks and crannies you cannot access. This step is crucial because the water can seep deep into the structure while you’re busy cleaning out the basement.

Preventing Mold Growth

Water damage and moisture build-up set the stage for mold growth, making your property increasingly vulnerable and hazardous. How can you avoid this nightmare of a situation? First off, you need to take all your belongings and fixtures outside and dry them out. A thorough cleanup is crucial to rid your home of the contaminated, debris-ridden floodwaters.

Once the house is water-free, you need to dry out the structures, belongings, and fixtures. Most homeowners tend to fixate on the walls, basement, and attic while preventing mold. It would help if you took measures to avoid mold growth in the furniture, wooden fixtures, and hardwood flooring.

Debris Removal

It’s heartbreaking what a violent storm can do to your beautiful backyard or lovely front lawn. Avid gardeners find the debris removal process extremely overwhelming and hurtful. But it’s necessary to clean out the property and ensure all components and home systems work efficiently. For instance, gutters clogged with debris and leaves can cause many inconveniences and water retention.

Removing damaged trees isn’t as simple as it sounds; in fact, it can prove quite dangerous if done wrong. So, be sure to clear out all the fallen trees, broken branches, scattered leaves, and other debris littering your property. We advise hiring professionals to clear out the damaged trees, especially ones mingling with electric wires.

Clean Up

You can clean up the house and scrub the floors after removing stray branches, fallen trees, and debris. It’s easier to clean the property after you’ve cleared out most of the mess. It’s crucial to dry out the floors with a vacuum cleaner, especially with hardwood floorboards. Wipe away all the dust particles and debris from each surface in your home.

Assess the Damages

Once you’ve cleared out the debris and dried out your property, it’s time for a thorough damage assessment. Your insurance provider will need images and a detailed inspection to provide financial coverage for a renovation.

You can start by assessing the damages in the most vulnerable areas, the roof, attic, and basement. Be sure to inspect the interior and exterior walls for signs of dampness and moisture retention. If the damage is unprecedented, let the professionals handle it without delay and take pictures of the affected areas.

Capturing photographs is crucial to substantiate your claims with evidence. It would help if you compiled a checklist of all the damages and repairs, prioritizing areas that need immediate attention.

Wrapping Up

Cleaning up after a storm isn’t easy, but it is of the utmost significance. You see, delaying the cleaning and drying out processes can cause unprecedented and aggravated damages. Homeowners need to act fast and decisively. We advise hiring professionals in cases of flooding and severe water damages. You see, it doesn’t take long for electric mishaps and disasters to ensue when water enters a property.