In sunny Oldsmar, Florida, the beauty of coastal living is often paired with the unpredictability of Mother Nature. While enjoying beach days and sunsets is a norm, residents are no strangers to the occasional heavy downpour and the potential floods they bring. But just how much of a toll can flood damage take on an Oldsmar home? Let’s discover!
How Do Floods Affect Our Lives?
- Floods impact both individuals and communities in positive and negative ways. Most often, floods cause deaths, damage to property, loss of crops and livestock, and health risks brought by water-borne diseases.
- Floods disrupt everyday life and can lead to business closures or loss of livelihood. They also have long-term effects to infrastructure, clean water supplies, wastewater treatments, electricity, transportation, communication, education, and healthcare.
- On the bright side, flooding events enhance the fertility of the soil, help in redistributing sediments, and replenish groundwater reserves.
Below are some of the negative effects of floods to our homes.
#1: Widespread Mold Growth
- Mold is a fungus that serves an important ecological function, but it can be harmful indoors. Mold can grow within 24 to 48 hours after a water damage event, forming colonies through spores.
- Mold can lead to the rotting of wood and the degradation of porous building materials, compromising a building's structural integrity over time. Exposure to mold spores can also cause allergic reactions and breathing problems, especially to immunocompromised individuals.
- If you are not quick to respond to flood damage, rampant mold growth could take over your house. Call ServiceMaster by Disaster Relief for immediate response.
#2: Contamination
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) designates three categories of water damage:
- Category 1: This refers to water that comes from clean or sanitary sources.
- Category 2: Also called gray water, Category 2 comes from home appliances, broken toilets, broken sump pumps, and seepage. This type of water is contaminated and may cause sickness if ingested.
- Category 3: Also called blackwater, this is water from unhygienic sources that can contain sewage. It contains pathogens that cause serious health issues.
#3: Broken Wiring, Gas Lines, and Appliances
- Natural disasters that cause significant flooding can down power lines and damage gas and water lines. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.
- Flooding can damage wiring, outlets, and appliances, creating a risk of fires or electrical shocks. Avoid standing water and stay away from damaged electrical systems.
- When it's safe to do so, turn off electrical and gas services to avoid electrocution or gas leaks if you are going to have a flood cleanup in Oldsmar, Florida. For your safety, it's best to let a professional do this step.
#4: Personal Property and Cosmetic Damage
- Walls, floors, and ceilings can stain, warp, or rot after coming into contact with floodwaters. Paint, wallpaper, and other finishes can also get damaged.
- Furniture, electronics, clothing, and other personal belongings can be ruined if submerged in water.
Recover from Flood Damage with Our Help
We all know floods can be very devastating, both emotionally and financially. If serious water damage in Oldsmar, FL has got you wondering, we can help you out! ServiceMaster by Disaster Relief is servicing Oldsmar and other parts of Pinellas County, Florida.
Contact us at (813) 295-7797 or connect with us online to request an estimate. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
