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[R225]Repair Water Damage Drywall

by Mark Saunders, Mar

In the United States flooding is the most common natural disaster and is responsible for more deaths than any other natural disaster. Aside from the high death toll it also exacts a high price in terms of property damage, which is estimated to be more than $1 billion each year. Just recently in Northern Scottsdale, Arizona, water damage due to flooding led to approximately $2 million in damages. The water damaged not only walls and carpeting but also led to unrecoverable losses in materials like books and computers. In New York, extensive water damage at CBS forced the “Early Show” to change locations on the morning of August 8. All over New York water damage became a problem due to heavy thunderstorms and flash floods.

Flooding is also nothing new to California residents. In fact California is currently making news headlines as its governor tries to push for better flood control infrastructure. In California water damage is an imminent risk faced by everyone since its levees are not sound and fail at least once every 7.5 months. The surprising thing about flooding is that it doesn't happen only in high risk coastal areas. In fact, ¼ of areas that are flooded each year are those classified as low and moderate flood risk areas. This means that wherever you live flooding is a risk you face especially during hurricane season.

To lessen the damages brought about by flooding you should take proper precautions before flooding occurs and immediately call for help right after the flood. Safety precautions prior to flooding include being aware of weather conditions that might result in flooding and having an evacuation plan both for your home and business. To lessen the impact of water damage brought about by flooding make sure you do the following before the flood arrives:

•Secure shelves and other like furniture to the wall

•Place all electronic equipment, clothes, and cushions in high shelves.

•Remove the carpets and rugs.

When your home or business gets flooded you should call a water damage restoration expert like 1-800-FLOODED immediately. 1-800-FLOODED offers 24 hours water extraction service so you won't have to wait. Remember the longer the water stays the more damage it does. This means that while waiting for help to come you should start water removal by doing the following:

•Bail out/mop up as much water as you can while waiting for professional help to arrive.

•Remove all wet fabric (clothes, drapes, sheets, etc.), cushions, and rugs and hang them out to dry.

•Wipe all the furniture with dry cloth.

When the professionals arrive they will take over the process of water removal. Note though that water extraction is simply the first step in water damage restoration. Water damage restoration will entail other processes like structural drying, mold prevention/removal, and decontamination, among others.

Water damage is extremely dangerous. Even the word "damage" is enough to relay how severe it really is. That word means that it has hurt something, which certainly means that it can't be safe. It isn't safe to both you and your home, but in a way it can mostly be harmful to you. This isn't saying that water damage is guaranteed to cause you harm. Sometimes it isn't even the water damage itself, but the secondary effects of it. It is the secondary effects that can make you ill. So read on to learn about how dangerous water damage can be for you.

Physical harm to you

Here are ways in which water damage can cause physical harm to you: When you go to assess the water damage, you must wear certain items for protection. This means wearing gloves that cannot be punctured, wearing steel toe boots, masks to breathe through, long sleeves and long pants. First of all, you don't know what could cut you, puncture you, or literally stab you. You have no idea what is in the air and you don't know what you could touch that could cause strange rashes and other issues. It is best to have as little skin exposed as possible when assessing water damage.

As far as you becoming sick, there can be some seriously harmful micro-organisms develop. This is in addition to any mold or mildew that might result from the water damage. The longer it takes for you to get to and start eliminating the water damage, the more likely you're going to have to battle mold and mildew. Once the mold spores find their way into your ventilation system, it can be quite a challenge. Mold spores in the ventilation system means that you're going to experience respiratory issues that can become quite severe.

The harm to your home

Aside from spreading debris everywhere that can cause you harm, water damage causes incredible damage to the home. The damage can be so extensive that things have to be torn out and replaced in some cases. These things include drywall, ceilings, floors, and so much more. Individuals have had to have entire rooms redone because of water damage. This can be very expensive if there is no flood insurance or no federal aid. To get federal aid for water damage, the flooding has to be due to a natural disaster, so water damage can be disastrous on your wallet if you have no way to help you pay for it.

So know that water damage is very dangerous. Never ever walk into a flooded structure without some kind of protective gear. Make sure the electricity is off to avoid electrocution and be sure to wear a protective mask to help you breathe. You don't want to breathe any air inside of a structure with water damage. This can be detrimental to your respiratory health. Lastly, don't be too alarmed when you see the water damage because water is vicious in so many ways.

Article Source : Pg. 90

About Author

Both Mark Saunders & Luana Pershing are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Mark Saunders has sinced written about articles on various topics from Wellness, Food and Drink and Family. . Mark Saunders's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.

Luana Pershing has sinced written about articles on various topics from Bathroom Remodeling Ideas, Home and Home Management. Luana Pershing is a writer on items for homwowners. For more info go to and. Luana Pershing's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.