Disasters can hit homes in many ways, whether from floods, fires, storms, or other catastrophic natural events or resources inside the house, with the most frequent being: pipe bursts, sewage backflows, washing machine overflows, kitchen fires, along carbon monoxide poisoning.
Here is some information on the best way to deal with and prevent the disasters lurking from within your home:
1. Pipe Bursts
- When a pipe burst occurs, a couple of gallons per minute can spurt out. If this occurs, shut off the main water valve, then turn on the lowest faucet in the home to allow the water to pour out of the faucet rather than through the burst pipe. When the flow stops, the water must be removed immediately. Call your plumber, insurance agent, and water damage specialist when possible.
- Pipe bursts usually happen when the water inside them stinks. Read this informative article to learn how to prevent freezing water pipes.
2. Sewage Backflows
- Several elements contribute to sewage backflows, such as hurricanes and storms that cause river, stream, and seawater overflows. The contaminated floodwater is called black water.
- Always wear protective equipment if you must walk. Urgently contact a professional water damage restoration service to take care of the cleanup.
- To prevent backflows, install backwater valves that stop the backflow on the sanitary sewer line during a flooding or sewer blockage.
3. Washing Machine Overflows
- Washing machines account for more than half of water damage events. If your washing machine overflows, turn off the power source, then clean out the water as quickly as you can to prevent additional harm.
- To prevent washing machine overflows, inspect hoses once a month. Look for indications of leaks, such as cracks, blisters, and bulges.
- For detailed information on the best way best to prevent and act during washer overflows click here.
4. Kitchen Fires
- Frequent kitchen fires include dirt fires, toaster fires, stovetop fires, and oven fires.
- If a pan caught fire, never take it outside, as you are able to spill burning oil onto other objects. Never use water either, as this can splatter hot grease and cause burns. Use a fire extinguisher, put a lid on the pan or shed baking soda on it.
- For toaster fires, unplug the cord (when safe to do this), then use a fire extinguisher or pour baking soda into it.
- In the event of a stovetop fire, extinguish the fires with baking soda after turning the oven off.
- When you’ve got a fire in your oven, turn off the heat, then leave the oven door closed and await the fire to die out.
- WARNING: Never use flour or sugar to douse a fire, as these products may cause a small explosion.
5. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning death in the U.S. Be alert to CO poisoning symptoms (including headache, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea), especially when gas stoves or wood stoves are used indoors.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors in your house to prevent CO poisoning. Never dismiss an alert, even if no one feels ill. CO is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas.
- Check more carbon monoxide safety hints here.
These are merely a few of the disasters that can happen on your property. As with any tragedy, you can prevent one by being ready and educated. PuroClean is ready to come to your home’s rescue in case of a tragedy involving fire, mold, and water damage. Looking for restoration companies Austin? Find out more here.
