Hey there, it’s your friends at Splash Safe In SC! When it comes to water damage in your home, it’s essential to deal with it right away. Not only can it compromise the structural integrity of the building, but it can also lead to serious health risks. We want to make sure you’re aware of these risks and what you can do to prevent them.
Let’s start with the types of water damage you might encounter in your home. There are a few different sources it can come from, and each one carries its own set of risks:
Plumbing Problems – Dirty Water Flooding
No one wants to deal with an overflowing toilet, blocked pipes, or any other dirty water flood. These situations must be handled immediately to avoid further damage and potential health risks. Make sure to wear long pants, sleeves, rubber boots, gloves, goggles, and a respirator mask while cleaning up any filthy water mess. After removing the water and drying the area, be sure to disinfect and clean it thoroughly to eliminate fungi, bacteria, and viruses.
Flooding & Black Water
This type of water damage is extremely hazardous. Black water contains raw sewage, chemical waste, and infectious microbes – yuck! If you happen to encounter black water, stay away from it if you can. If you have to come in contact with it, make sure to wash with soap and hot water right away. You’ll likely need a professional to remove and clean up any black water in your home, as it requires specialized equipment and knowledge.
Mold Growth & Disease
Floodwater is known for causing mold growth, and this could lead to some serious health problems. Even if you’ve cleared the area of visible water, the floor, walls, and other materials might still be holding moisture, providing a perfect environment for mold to thrive. Exposure to mold can cause allergic reactions, sinus congestion, and irritations of the eyes, nose, and throat. In more severe cases, it can lead to fever and difficulty breathing. Be sure to properly dry and clean any area affected by floodwater!
Long-term Issues
If flood water isn’t dealt with properly and promptly, mold and other bacteria can grow unchecked, leading to long-lasting health problems like asthma and infections. Remember the infamous “Katrina Cough” that spread after the widespread flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina? You don’t want to end up dealing with that or even more serious cases of toxic mold exposure, which can result in memory loss, insomnia, depression, and more.
Don’t let this scare you too much, though – prevention is key! Being prepared, informed, and proactive can help minimize damage and keep your family safe. If you live in a flood-prone area, be ready with some basic water damage restoration equipment, like a dehumidifier, air mover, or flood pump. Investing in flood insurance is another great precaution to take.
The EPA and CDC websites have some great resources for more information on dealing with floods and the associated health risks. They offer information on mold clean-up and additional precautions to take during a flood.
If you ever need some water damage restoration equipment, check out our webshop for a wide range of products. We carry everything from dehumidifiers and air movers to mold detection tools and remediation chemicals.
Just remember, friends – dirty water and flooding can become serious hazards to your health if not dealt with properly. Make sure you know the signs, risks, and how to prepare for such an event. Stay safe and keep your home as dry as the South Carolina sunshine!