Walking You Through a Water Loss- Cleveland, TN

3/29/2019 (Permalink)

The Hiawassee River runs right to the north of the town and empties right into the Tennessee River just a few short miles northwest of Cleveland. When heavy rains and flooding occur, the residents of Bradley County must deal with the floods and sewer backups. Nonetheless, residents of Cleveland have to be prepared for flooding and high water periods in their town and neighborhoods. So, how do you prepare for a flood?

The number one priority when a flood occurs is to save the lives; the health of the occupants and the property is secondary. The most difficult time during a flood is when water invades the interior of the home. Flood water contains all kinds of harmful substances like raw sewage, pesticides, fertilizers, mold, bacteria, petroleum products, and physical items such as sharp objects like nails and razor blades. Another possible hazard with standing water is the possibility of the water might be covering a live electrical outlet, and if anyone touches the water or walks into it, they could be electrocuted. If flood water starts entering your home, you should evacuate immediately.

The Healing and Reconstruction Process

Once the water of the flood has gone down to the point that the structure can be entered, the first order of business is to get the water out of the house, if there is still standing water. Water cleanup is usually done with high-speed pumps and it can be accomplished very quickly in most instances. Water damage and flood damage can be just as devastating as fire or wind damage, but the longer the water is in a home or business, the damage increases; which is why it is important to dry the contents as soon as possible. 

Drying Your Contents

The next step in the process is getting your home and contents dry and sanitized. Our SERVPRO Professionals use large air movers and dehumidifiers in the areas that have been affected. Over time, about three or four days, the air movement will dry most of the area.

While most of the surface areas will get dry, some of the items that soak up water will not get dry. These are contents that absorb water such as couches, pillows, cushions, drapery, carpeting, pads, pictures, papers and things that are going to hold water no matter what. If some of these items are salvageable, we will bring them to our facility to be professionally cleaned, dried, and restored. 

Reconstruction and Restoration

Now that the water in the home has been removed and the areas dried and cleaned up, reconstruction can begin. New walls, electrical panels, and sockets can be installed. New flooring can be placed along with new carpeting, paneling, fixtures, doors, and molding.

Currently, the city and the county is involved with the Army Corps of Engineers to determine what can be done to alleviate some of the stress that the constant flooding creates. Some of the solutions include the creation of retention ponds, bridge work, and overflow routes that would push water to other places than into the city.

With the planning in place, more solutions can be uncovered that will be both affordable for the community and workable for the diversion of the waters of the Tennessee and Hiawassee Rivers.

For more information on Water Damage Restoration visit http://www.SERVPRObradleycounty.com/