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From heavy rainfall to flash floods caused by tropical cyclones, there are several ways water can pool inside your home. Mold grows quickly on damp surfaces, which is why you should invest in professional water extraction as soon as possible. Doing so will keep everyone in your household safe and could help salvage your belongings as well. The below advice should help your water extraction appoint run smoothly. 

3 Steps to Get Ready for Water Extraction

1. Shut Off Gas & Electricity

Because outlets, appliances, and additional equipment might be submerged in water, turn off the gas and electricity. This will reduce the risk of electrical shocks and other safety hazards while technicians are at work. Locate the gas meter and main electrical panel to power down the utilities until the water extraction process is complete. If ruptured pipes have caused property flooding, switch the main shutoff valve to stop the flow of water through the house.   

2. Remove Items in Standing Water

water extractionAfter turning off the electricity and gas, remove any items you can see and reach in the water. This will eliminate visible obstacles so technicians can work faster. Just retrieve smaller items, as any larger pieces saturated in water will be difficult to lift. There could be sharp objects out of view so watch your step. To avoid safety hazards, stay in a dry area and use a rake, broom, or another object with a long handle to pull out items. If you do venture into the water, wear slip-resistant rain boots, rubber gloves, and goggles to protect yourself from bacteria and other contaminants in the liquid.    

3. Discard of Debris & Severely Damaged Belongings

If a storm has knocked out your windows and caused home flooding, there could also be twigs, trash, leaves, and other debris from outside in the water. When retrieving your belongings, pull out the debris and put it in a bag for garbage collection. If some possessions are completely destroyed by water, it’s best to throw them out and invest in replacements. Otherwise, you could expose your family to mold and mildew before and after water extraction. 

 

If seasonal storms in Hawaii have caused your home to flood, the technicians at SERVPRO of Kailua North / Laie will help during this stressful time. Based in Kaneohe, HI, their certified and insured team is available 24/7 to help during emergencies. They will work with your insurance company to provide fast, efficient water extraction and mold remediation so your family can return to normal life. They also share tips to keep everyone safe in the event of future disturbances. To schedule a free estimate for flood cleanup on Oahu, call (808) 235-5015. Connect with the water damage restoration specialists online to learn more about their process and follow them on Facebook to see before-and-after photos of their work.  

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