Take Steps to Protect Your Home from Disasters
Much of the home damage we see at North Carolina Disaster Services could have been prevented. While there’s little you can do in the event of a major flood or forest fire, there are ways you can reduce your chances of experiencing household water damage, fires and mold.
Mold prevention
Mold thrives on moisture, so it’s important to monitor and repair any sources of excess water or humidity in your home. Water can come from outside the house through a leaky roof, poorly maintained gutters and downspouts, and incorrect grading of the soil around the foundation. It can also come from inside the home via plumbing leaks or dampness rising from the slab or crawl space.
Excess humidity also leads to mold growth. Use dehumidifiers during warm weather if your home feels stuffy or humid. Ventilate with fans or open windows during dry weather. Keep damp areas free of clutter, especially cardboard boxes, papers and carpet. Check your crawl space, basement, bathrooms, closets and attics regularly for mold and mildew. A professional from NC Disaster Services can assess the extent of the infestation and eradicate it.
Water
As you can see, it’s very important to control water in and around your home. Besides causing mold, water can damage the structure of your home. Check your attic for roof leaks when it rains. Make sure gutters are not overflowing and that downspouts carry water away from the house or into drainage systems. Check for plumbing leaks around and under sinks, dishwashers, toilets, showers, bathtubs and washing machines.
During heavy or prolonged rain, make sure water isn’t pooling near the foundation. Proper downspouts, grading and/or French drains can remedy the situation. Sump pumps can help remove water from wet crawl spaces and basements.
Fire Prevention
While water and mold can take some time to cause damage, a fire can destroy your home in a matter of minutes. If you have any doubts about the safety of your electrical system, have a certified electrician check it over. Be sure your home has enough smoke detectors and that the batteries are fresh. Keep fire extinguishers up to date. Place at least one on each floor of your home and in the garage. Provide fire escape ladders in second floor bedrooms and determine the best route of escape. Practice fire drills several times a year, especially if you have children.
NC Disaster Services is here to help! Homes can be damaged by mold, water or fire even if you take precautions. We can clean up and restore your home after floods, water leaks, fires and mold infestations.
Call North Carolina disaster services today at 252-725-8979 to learn how we can restore your home after disasters.
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