When storms rip our lives apart

4/9/2018 (Permalink)

A wet basement after a storm has rolled through

When a major storm passes close to the house, the home may suffer water damage that is difficult to repair.

There are many things a family can do to begin repairing any destruction, but an IICRC certified company like the SERVPRO of Burlington/ Middlebury will likely be needed to get rid of any serious health or structural threats. Contaminated storm surges or floods can carry pathogens and become a breeding ground for mold. If allowed to fester, these mold spores can spread throughout the building and become even more difficult to remove. In many cases,  governmental agencies could condemn the structure if the microbial threat is too great.

The main reason a home is sensitive to water damage is because moisture is difficult to detect once the floods recede. Standing liquids can encourage microbial growth within 24 hours and can saturate all kinds of textiles and seep through drywall. Moisture may collect behind the walls, where mold and bacteria may multiply out of sight.

Professional restoration services can quickly identify what items in the home are compromised by water damage. Normally, anything that is porous may need to be discarded if it has come in contact with contaminated fluids. These items, like mattresses, box springs, pillows and particle board, trap more moisture than other materials and foster the growth of microbes.

A family can prepare for professional cleaning by getting rid of these items before the technicians arrive, but be sure to properly record and itemize the items for insurance purposes prior to disposing. Once professionals arrive at the building, they will be able to track down any pockets of excess moisture and remove them. 

The SERVPRO of Burlington/ Middlebury is always ready to help Vermont families affected by devastating storms. We know when you need us, nothing else comes beforehand, and that's why we're always ready, 24 hours a day @ (802)497-1101. 

It’s important for a family to hire professionals to help with the damage from a storm that are certified through a reputable organization like the IICRC. Technicians trained in this area know how to find compromised areas and do what it takes to restore them.