Water damage affects a large number of damages to property as well as systems or electronic / electrical equipment. It could rust steel or make wood rot or effect laminated equipment like boards on furniture etc. The water damage repaira> process, therefore, is a tedious and lengthy process.
The damage could be slow or be quite quick as in case of floods or water-logging. Sometimes innocent looking spotting may appear on surfaces and would be the first signs of damage. A substantial size of the property damage, annually, is attributed to water. The alarming part is most insurance policies would not water damage repair without an addendum &/or a charge.
People or businesses badly affected by large scale flooding may be able to seek government assistance via grants to help cover some of their losses.
The three categories of water damages:
- Clean water or White water: This category of water does not pose a threat to people and sources could include water-supply pipes, domestic piping overflows or blockages or malfunctions of electronic equipment.
- Grey Water: This category has substantial degrees of contamination, chemicals, micro-organisms or pollutants which could cause illnesses if consumed or sometimes even exposed to it. Eg. Water from dish-washers or washing machines/dryers, toilet drainage with urine content (non-faecal) etc.
- Black Water: Black water is plain and grossly unsanitary and could contain viruses, bacterium, fungus and the like. This category of water-damage effects mostly indoors and could also include water from streams, rivers, stagnant water, sea-water in case of hurricanes or typhoons and the like. Grey water that may have been untreated or not removed and has been stagnant could then be classified as Black water – irrespective of colour, content or odour.
Restoration / Repair of Water Damaged Property / Goods
Professional ‘water-damage repair’ services /companies are certified by government / federal agencies and employ various water-removal methods, depending on the extent of areas affected and the category of water therein. Sometimes effected people themselves could do the salvage and restoration themselves. However, water damage company’s specialists are considered due to their expertise and experience in similar situations and are usually found listed under ‘Fire & Water Damage Restorers / Services’ in business directories.
Precautions
One does not have to necessarily suffer water damage, like Miami & Florida residents of late, just because one lives in such locations, where water-damage has taken high tolls in recent times. Simple precautions and steps will help one be prepared in an exigency and keep the family safe.
- Emergency Planning – plan escape routes, each family member could carry copies of important & emergency phone numbers; maybe even an emergency bag each, which could contain all basics.
- Raise Electrical Systems – Heaters, Electrical Panels etc. need to be out of waters’ reach and need to be fastened on concrete flooring so that huge surges may not dislodge them. Do also remember to cut main power-supply in case of water-logging and have circuit-breakers installed.
- Flood Barriers & Water-proofing sealants – High walls can be disguised with some creepers or fencing and the like, to retain aesthetics and money thus spent – is always well invested. Basement walls and lower levels need fixing with waterproofing sealants.
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