We Discuss Measures To Prevent Flood Damage In Your Chicago Home

10/16/2019 (Permalink)

“Like it never even happened.”

Actions to Prevent Flood Damage in Chicago Homes

People who reside in flood zones know to expect the area or occasionally flood, but the fact is that is can happen anywhere.

When flood damage occurs in Chicago, homes with some prior preparation have the potential to limit loss with actions such as possessing sandbags for use to create a barrier, having HVAC equipment raised off the floor, and the installation of sump pumps in basements.

Move Important Documents and Heirlooms Out of the Threatened Area
In the event, groundwater begins to enter your home. It is good to have a plan of action. Determine items that need to go to other areas of the house. Homeowners should turn off the gas and electricity if there is a danger of water coming into contact with wiring or outlets. Most importantly, have the phone number for both your insurance agent and a restoration services company in the event you find yourself dealing with floodwater in your house.

Actions to Limit Damage from Floodwater
Once groundwater is in the home, it is vital to engage a professional restoration services company. Until the water receives testing to determine the nature of any contaminants or sewage, residents and pets should avoid contact. SERVPRO technicians arrive on-site quickly and extract any remaining water.

Drying is Crucial
Running fans on wet furnishings or carpet does little to assist in the limiting of flood loss. In some cases, this action increases the damage. Carpeting compromised by groundwater has no restoration potential and requires disposal as a biohazard. After the elimination of saturated items and building materials, SERVPRO technicians use a combination of high-velocity centrifugal air movers and dehumidification equipment to capture and port away the moisture to quickly dry the property.

Odor Control Before Reconstruction
Post-flood loss cleanup, there are often repairs and rebuilding efforts needed. SERVPRO technicians use different applications to give homeowners a water-odor-free structure to build on, so there are not musty scents trapped anywhere in the home.

At the first sign of damage, contact SERVPRO of West Loop / Bucktown / Greektown at (773) 434-9100. The certified technicians have both the experience and equipment to clean up and restore your home to its pre-flood condition, “Like it never even happened.”

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