If you experience a flood, do you know how to recover in North Georgia?

If you have a flood, the 1^st step is to take care of you and your family. Keeping your family together, eating and sleeping well and watching for signs of stress that is crucial for your health and well-being. Discuss the problems associated with the flood and seek help if needed.

People with health problems, pregnant women and young children should be kept away from flood damage until the cleanup is complete. Make sure your water has been declared safe before using and wash your hands thoroughly and often to avoid ingesting contaminated water. Disinfect everything that flood water has come in contact with.

• If reachable, turn off your home’s electricity and gas. If you can’t get to it safely, call in the utility company licensed professional to shut them off.

• Pull your most valuable items form the house when it’s safe to go in.

• Remove debris that needs to be thrown away and check for broken or leaky water pipes.

• Start documenting the loses, and take photos and videos if applicable.

• Call your insurance company to report the damage and get a case number. Does your insurance policy offer housing assistance in the aftermath of a flood?

• If it is safe, check for structural damages.

• Start drying out your home. Items such as drywall will disintegrate if left wet for too long. Wood can swell up and rot, electrical equipment can short out and cause shocks or fires.

• Dampness invites the growth of mold, so, lowering the humidity inside the house is critical to prevent further water damage. Open up your windows, cabinet and closet doors, run fans and dehumidifiers if you have electricity.

Contact a water damage restoration company such as Restoration 1 of North Georgia to assess the damage and help you with the restoration process.