North Texas can be prone to severe storms that lead to flooding. To protect your house, owners should consider having their foundation professionally sealed and their electrical switches and outlets raised. Having gate valves installed on your plumbing fixtures can also prevent backups if the local sewage system gets flooded. However, even with these precautions, you might experience significant water damage that can affect your building materials and belongings. The following guide categorizes items that should be kept—or thrown away—following a flood. 

Items That Can Be Saved 

Generally, items made of nonabsorbent materials—such as plastic, glass, tile, metal, sealed wood, or laminate—can survive water exposure. Assuming these items weren't bent, broken, or scratched from movement during the flood, you can usually sanitize them with soap or bleach and save them for future use. Ideally, remove these belongings from the flood zone within 24-48 hours to avoid mold growth. 

Clothing is also typically salvageable if retrieved and treated within a one- to two-day window. Inspect each piece for damage and wash the clothing as usual once it's been recovered. 

Items That Should Be Discarded 

Unfortunately, paper will dissolve after a short time in liquid. Throw out any unimportant documents or books. If you retrieve essential, solid papers, consider freezing them since the cold can help with preservation. 

Mold growth is typical in waterlogged carpets or drywall. Therefore, these materials will need, at minimum, fungal remediation or possibly require replacing.

Finally, electronics and appliances are highly sensitive to water damage. While some pieces might survive minimal contact with water, have a professional test recovered electronics since this process can be unsafe. 

What to Do Next

A restoration company can also help you determine what's salvageable and what should be discarded when they assess the property. They will then use special air movers, blowers, dryers, and dehumidifiers to clear excess water from your home before sanitization efforts being. If mold has started to form, they will address this as well. Work with a team that has an in-house insurance adjuster who can help you get compensation for this work from your insurance provider.

If you need help restoring your home following a flood, contact the professionals at Restoration Pros of North Texas. This company can assist with water damage restoration, mold remediation, and reconstruction. They use proven methods and top-quality materials to restore flood-damaged items and materials. Learn more about their services online, or speak with a representative at (972) 369-6870.