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Flood? The Unthinkable Has Happened!
A Flood! Unthinkable! Our homes in Nashville Real Estate are supposed to be a “safe haven” from the storm. What happens when the rains come…and keep coming? When you bought your home, the closing attorney was required to obtain a 100 year flood certification. So, no flood insurance required and no worries…right? But, what about an unthinkable 500 year flood? If it can happen in Nashville, it can happen anywhere. The Great Nashville Flood of 2010 came quickly and devastated so many homes that were considered outside the “flood zone”. If a flood happens to you, it’s important to start recovering as many of your belongings as possible. You feel that your life has turned upside down…and it has, but it’s critical to get started with the clean up as soon as the water recedes. Obviously the most important thing is to get everyone out of the house until it is safe again. Remember to turn off the main electric switch in your electrical panel. Call your power utility supplier for any special instructions. Let's clean up Nashville Real Estate.
Then what? Here are a few tips to get started:
· First and foremost, get the flood water out of your crawl space or basement. Don’t let mold have a chance to start growing. If water is standing, you can use a pump to get the water outside the structure. Remove the vapor barrier and any water logged insulation. If you have insulated ductwork, it will also have to be removed. Then use fans to dry the area. Air circulation is very important for the drying process. You can also use a de-humidifier to help the process.
· Analyze your living area. Quickly remove any wet carpet and padding. And what about the drywall? You can cut it right above the wet area and save the dry wallboard. But again, get it out of the house as soon as you can. Let the wall studs dry completely before reinstalling the drywall, because you certainly don’t want mold growing inside that space. A couple of weeks should be sufficient.
· If upholstered furniture has been damaged, it will most likely have to be thrown away. If any water has damaged your electronics, they will also have to be discarded. However, wood furniture can possibly be refinished.
· Use a bleach solution of 1 part bleach to 5 parts water for cleaning. This will kill the mold. Do not use undiluted bleach, as this will crystallize the mold. This causes the same effect as freeze-drying, and the mold will start growing again given a little moisture.
· Don’t forget to use an N-95 mask and rubber gloves while cleaning up after a flood. Please remember that this water is toxic. You will need prompt medical attention for any cut, scratch or scrape because this can quickly become a deadly infection.
· Some clothing may be salvageable with a good washing in a bleach solution.
After a flood, the main thing to remember is to use caution and good common sense. Get the wet and damaged items out of the house as quickly as you can, and protect yourself from inhaling mold spores. It is very important to know that the most deadly mold spores (aspergillus and penicillin) may not be visible…so be sure to have your home inspected by a professional.
Pay attention to any announcement regarding Federal assistance for flood victims and get your name on the list as soon as possible. These funds are there to help your family get back to normal … so take advantage of any help you can find. Nashville Real Estate will soon be back stronger and more beautiful than ever.
Accent Realty Group Pam Rumley
Exclusive Buyer's Agent
Broker, CRS, ABR, SRES
Office 615-206-8445
Direct 615-428-8500
Fax 615-206-8437
pam@pamrumley.com
The agent to call when you need someone to go that extra mile!
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