The Dangers of Storm Water in Your Home

7/17/2020 (Permalink)

Storm waters entering your home could harm both your things and your health.

Some of us love a good storm, love watching the rain fall in torrents and lightning crack across the sky while the thunder rolls. Others of us might hate the storms and want to hide under the bed like our dogs when extreme weather rolls through. Regardless, storms are a part of our lives in Northeast Ohio whether we like it or not, and sometimes we have to deal with some adverse effects from the heavy rains that will inevitably befall us.

Some people might think that if they don’t live in flood plains, then they will never have to worry about flooding in their homes. However, these intense storms that dump tons of water in a short amount of time can cause damage to homes in all kinds of different situations.

One of the biggest risks to any home as a result of a storm is Category 3 Black Water backing up into living quarters. This is water, mainly sewage but also water from overflowing streams or lakes, that is highly contaminated and could affect the health of people in your home. There are three levels of black water damage that you could experience.

1. Level one originates inside the home and is contained to a small area. Most of the home, including the structure and porous material, are not affected.
2. Level two also originates inside the home, but a larger area is affected, including porous material, and structure must be inspected for contamination.
3. Level three comes from an outside source like a main sewage line or overflowing river or lake and causes greater health risks from contamination over a longer period of time.

CAT 3 Black Water contains many different kinds of bacteria, mold, and viruses that can affect your health. Diseases such as tetanus, hepatitis, and various kinds of infections, among other health issues, can be spread by exposure to black water. You should avoid direct skin contact with black water and even breathing in contaminated air could lead to illness.

If you experience flooding in your home, the most important thing to do is address the problem as quickly as possible. Call SERVPRO of Northern Summit County and we will be there anytime 24/7/365. Our highly-trained technicians know how to handle black water contamination and make your home safe again. Protect yourself and your family from health risks and know that SERVPRO will help return your home to normal.