It can be difficult to live in a home that has suffered water damage. A burst pipe or a flooded home can cause water damage. Many homeowners have to make the difficult choice of whether they can continue to live and sleep in a damaged home. Water damage is not only harmful to your property but also poses health risks if it’s not treated properly. If you are unsure whether it is safe to sleep in your water-damaged house, let’s discuss what steps should be taken to ensure that you and your family remain healthy and safe.
Risks Of Sleeping In A Water-Damaged Home
Water damage poses several risks to your health and safety, as well as to your structural integrity. Although you might feel tempted after a flooding event to continue sleeping at home, here are a few risks to consider:
1. Structural Damage
Water can weaken structural components in your home, such as the walls, floors, and foundation. Untreated water damage may result in the following consequences:
- Wood rot: Wooden flooring and beams can rot if exposed to water for a long time.
- Compromised Wallboard: Over time, wet drywall will become softer and may collapse, creating a hazard for anyone in close proximity.
- Hazardous Electrical Conditions: Water can seep inside electrical outlets and wiring and cause shocks.
Slumbering in your home is dangerous if you have significant structural damage from water. In such cases, you should seek out a professional water damage restoration company to assess the situation and make any necessary repairs.
2. Contaminated waters
When your home floods, the water may not even be clean. Floodwater may contain harmful contaminants such as sewage or chemicals. Exposure can lead to:
- Water Infections: Contaminated water can bring harmful bacteria and viruses into your body, causing infections or gastrointestinal disorders.
- Skin Diseases: People who come into direct contact with contaminated water or surfaces can develop skin diseases or rashes.
In order to protect your health, you should stay away from areas where water has been contaminated.
What To Do If You Must Stay In Your Home?
If you must remain in a water-damaged home while repairs are being completed, you can take precautions to reduce the dangers of water damage.
1. Isolate Areas Affected By The Disease
If the damage to your home is contained to certain rooms or areas, you should isolate them from the rest. It will reduce the growth of molds and other contaminants. Use plastic sheeting to cover the damaged areas. As much as possible, leave the windows open for ventilation.
2. Use Dehumidifiers & Fans
Dehumidifiers can help reduce humidity in the area, preventing further mold development. Mold will be more likely to form if the moisture level remains high.
3. Protect Yourself And Your Family
If you cannot leave the house, take all necessary precautions. Wear rubber gloves or boots to clean up. Do not let children or pets come in contact with the contaminated water. Consider wearing a respirator or a mask if allergies or respiratory conditions are present.
4. Consult A Professional Restoration Company
The water damage experts have the experience, knowledge, and equipment needed to restore water damage efficiently and safely. They can quickly assess and extract water from the damaged area and dry it out to prevent mold. Their professional involvement can make the home safe to inhabit.
When To Leave Your Home
Even though some minor damage can be fixed while you live in your house, there are certain situations where it’s best to move:
- Serious Structural Injury: If water has severely damaged your home’s structural integrity, you might want to consider leaving until repairs can be done.
- Health Considerations: If you or anyone in your family has respiratory conditions or is sensitive or allergic to molds or contaminants, it would be wise to relocate temporarily.
Conclusion
Sleeping in water-damaged homes can pose serious dangers to your health. Mold, structural issues, and water contaminated with bacteria are all serious hazards that require immediate attention. If you are experiencing water damage, you should get in touch with a professional water damage repair agency to evaluate the situation and limit the damage. Even though small water issues can be resolved with a few precautions and care, large-scale problems require professional intervention to maintain the safety of your home. It is important to act immediately in order to avoid long-term damage. This will also protect you and your family from the hazards of water damage.
