FEMA's Take on Restoring Flood Damage in Bloomfield/Enfield

4/18/2017 (Permalink)

Many water damaged items can be restored

In Bloomfield, Enfield, and surrounding Connecticut towns, flood damage technicians are the ones who deal directly with residential flood repairs. However, they must adhere to a set of rules and guidelines provided by government authorities. Some of these authorities are national and oversee flooding in all parts of the country, and others are regional. The biggest and most important may be FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The important thing is that SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield always follows the right restoration directives. FEMA is the source for many of the most crucial restoration directives. So, when it comes to repairing flood damage in Bloomfield and Enfield homes, we use FEMA policies on removal, drying, clean-up, and remediation. Keep reading to find out what FEMA says about flood damage restoration and how it should be carried out.

For Flood Damage Restoration Call SERVPRO Of Bloomfield/Enfield At (860) 216-2785 Anytime

Water Extraction And Drying
FEMA and other agencies stress the importance of speed. At SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield, we waste no time getting repairs started. It may be necessary to complete an inspection of the property first, but we can address your most vulnerable items immediately. For instance, we cover large, delicate items with protective plastic to prevent further water intrusion.

Removing Wet Materials
FEMA leaves it up to the discretion of the flood damage repair team to decide what can and cannot be salvaged (unless you’re dealing with black water). If porous materials have absorbed lots of water, we need to determine whether drying is the best option. Not all items removed from the flood site are destroyed. Some (artwork and electronics are examples) get sent to cleaning facilities and are returned.

Cleaning HVAC Systems
Cleaning damaged ductwork is tricky. FEMA recommends the use of a spray washer to hose down accessible surfaces. Pine oil or phenolic disinfectants are a safe choice because they are efficient but won’t circulate harsh chemicals. If your home or building’s internal insulation is saturated, the technicians need to remove it. However, fiberglass is placed in a temperature controlled room for drying.

For Flood Damage Restoration Call SERVPRO Of Bloomfield/Enfield At (860) 216-2785 Anytime

Drying Hard Surfaces
Non-porous surfaces are the easiest items to dry. SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield usually applies a wet vacuum first, if there is a sufficient amount of water to remove. Then, as FEMA recommends, we wash the materials with detergents to prevent mold growth.  Mold can develop within 24 to 48 hours of a flood, says Ashley Small of FEMA, so remove wet contents, including carpeting and bedding, as soon as possible.

Plastic and metal are slow to react to water, but wood can be permanently damaged rather quickly. Water particles can move inside the material and dehumidifiers are the best way to draw them out.

If You Must Leave Home

If the flood was serious enough for you to leave your home, be sure you stay safe upon your return. FEMA warns that you should check for any visible structural damage, such as warping, loosened or cracked foundation elements, cracks, and holes before entering the home and contact utility companies if you suspect damage to water, gas, electric, and sewer lines. 

In addition, it’s important to have a working flashlight and turn off all water and electrical sources within the home, says Dr. Maurice A. Ramirez, author of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Disaster Preparedness.” Even if the power isn’t operational, it’s a good idea to go to your fuse box and turn off the main, plus all of the individual fuse connections. That way, if the power is reactivated, you’re not at risk for mixing standing water and electricity.

Check Out Our Other Blog Posts  
Every month on the SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield blog we publish educational articles on how Bloomfield, Enfield, and other Connecticut residents can protect their homes and businesses from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, restoring water damage, sewage, storm, or other damage.

Here For You
In Bloomfield the team at SERVPRO has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire damage restoration services, mold remediation, commercial services, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield  in Bloomfield at 860-216-2785 anytime, 24/7.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road
Bloomfield, Connecticut 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Call 860-216-2785 anytime