3 Reasons Why Disaster Cleanup is Not a DIY Project

It might be tempting after a disaster to jump right in and begin the cleanup yourself. However, this is usually not the best course of action. No matter how seemingly small a disaster is, there are some big reasons why you should trust in a professional restoration company to take care of the disaster cleanup.

Here are three reasons why disaster cleanup is not a DIY project.

1. Expertise

Professional restoration contractors are put through extensive training and have the certificates to prove it. They also have years of experience, the right tools, proper safety training, and all the protective gear needed to effectively take care of any job without endangering their health or safety. In addition, due to their training and experience, they know where to look for potential dangers and can avoid them or effectively handle them if an incident occurs.

2. Hazards

With any disaster comes a wide variety of dangers such as dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants which can negatively affect your health. In most cases, do-it-yourself-ers aren’t familiar with all the potential hazards and needlessly put themselves in harm’s way. And unfortunately, some of these hazards are life-threatening or could significantly alter their lives forever if they are exposed or injured. It’s just not worth it.

3. Potential Dangers

Any given disaster will leave a wake of dangers in the aftermath. Here are some of the most common.

• Flooding. This leaves behind a multitude of biohazards like contaminated water. Mold, mildew, and bacteria will infiltrate your home or business’ air ducts, drapes, furniture, and even your clothes within a matter of hours.
• Damaged Structures. A damaged structure might look sound to the untrained eye when in reality it’s not safe.
• Electrocution. After a disaster, there is always the potential of live electrical wires hanging, laying, or floating around which could result in electrocution.
• Mold. Many people don’t give mold much thought. However, black mold is extremely toxic and will get into your lungs, which could turn into a life-threatening condition. Mold will begin to grow within a few short hours after a water event.
• Smoke and Fire Damage. The aftermath of some fires can leave a thick, oily film on surfaces that could linger for many years if not cleaned up properly. In addition, the smoke from a fire will get into every square inch of a structure and if you don’t have the proper training and equipment to remove the smoke, soot, and odors, you will probably find yourself spending more money for an additional cleanup versus if you’d had it done right the first time.

Never enter a structure or disaster area aftermath without an official approval from the authorities. After receiving clearance, hire a professional cleanup and restoration company immediately. The sooner you get started on the cleanup, the sooner you’ll get your life back to normal.

ServiceMaster of Buncombe County also offers packing, inventory, and storage solutions until the reconstruction has been completed.

For more information about disaster restoration services, please contact us today.ServiceMaster of Buncombe County will treat you and your family with all the care and respect you deserve and help you get your life back to normal as quickly as possible.