Water damage is a complicated problem. Water gets everywhere fast; emergency water removal in Paola stops the flow and eliminates the water as quickly as possible. But that’s not the end of the story. Everything the water touched is wet and must be dried and this fact bears repeating: water gets everywhere. Carpets, carpet pads, floorboards, furniture, papers, files, upholstery, drywall –all of it sucks up water rapidly. The water must be thoroughly removed to avoid further damage and the growth of mold mildew.
But that’s not all. Standing water, sewage, storm debris, and mold are also hazardous. When handling water removal and damage cleanup, taking careful safety precautions is important. The following is a brief overview of safety precautions to follow in the event of a water emergency.
Recognize the Conditions
Not all water emergencies are created equal. A burst pipe in your kitchen sink is much different than a flooded basement after a bad rainstorm. Sure, the need to stop the flow, remove the water, and dry things out are common among all emergencies; the differences lie in the risks involved and the safety precautions required.
Water events fall into three categories:
Category 1
In a category 1 water problem, the source water is clean and does not pose any health risks. Examples include broken plumbing pipes or overflowing bathtubs or sinks that are clear from contaminants. Dangers on the site relate to other circumstances, such as exposed electrical wires.
Category 2
Category 2 events involve “gray” water. Gray water contains chemicals or other contaminants. Overflowing dishwashers, leaking washing machines, toilets containing only urine, and backed-up sump pumps are examples of gray water sources.
Workers cleaning up category 2 events need some PPE such as gloves, boots, and coveralls. In addition, the site requires decontamination in addition to the regular cleanup.
Category 3
Category 3 emergencies are “black” water events and should be approached with care. Sewage, flooding rivers and stream, and heavy chemical contamination are examples of black water. These events can pose serious threats to emergency response workers.
Water damage removal crews in category 3 sites must wear full-body PPE, including face masks. Severely contaminated materials may need to be bagged, transported, and disposed of in specially designed containers. Restoring the area includes water removal, cleaning, and disinfecting.
Follow General Safety Guidelines
Following these general safety guidelines will keep you safe in a water emergency:
- Be aware of the category of water involved.
- Turn off the power if water has risen to the level of electrical outlets or any exposed electrical wiring in the space.
- Leave immediately and call your local utility company if you smell natural gas.
- When in doubt, wear PPE.
- Work quickly to remove water and start the drying process. Mold can begin to grow in a very short period; waiting or hesitating can be hazardous.
Call the Professionals
Emergency Mitigation Services provides professional removal services in Paola. We have helped thousands of customers recover safely from all categories of water damage. We can have crews to your home or office promptly, day or night. The longer water sits, the more damage it can do. Don’t hesitate; call us right away!