We had everything last year, from raging floods to frozen pipes, and carpet cleaning services in Denver were busy around the clock. Living in a relatively dry climate, we usually don’t need to give much thought to flood cleanup, but unfortunately, we probably should.

First of all, water inside a building is a serious problem, posing danger not only for the building, but also for the occupants. The quicker the response, the better, but your safety must come first. Here are some basic steps to take before the carpet cleaning service arrives. (Here in Denver, you probably won’t have to wait too long.)

1. Protect yourself from electrical shock

Wet concrete floor is very dangerous! This is a recipe for a possibly fatal shock. Turn off breakers serving the flooded areas, especially if wiring and light fixtures are wet. If you’re not sure how to do this, call a licensed electrician.

2. Watch for sagging, water filled ceilings

They can collapse and cause serious injury.

3. Remove all of your furniture and personal belongings from affected rooms

Keep in mind that the carpet may look and feel dry, but the pad beneath may be soaked, leaving the feet of your furniture sitting in water. If you can’t move the furniture, try placing something beneath the feet to keep it ourof the water.

4. Check for water in adjacent rooms

Water runs right under interior walls.

5. Turn your heat to 75 degrees and crack your windows

Evaporation is your friend, and you do not want to keep all that water in your house. Open windows will allow your house to “breathe,” replacing moisture-saturated interior air with dryer outdoor air.

6. Remove your valuables to a secure location

You will likely have many different people in your home in the next few days. You want to have as much peace of mind as possible.

7. Don’t try to remove water damaged carpet yourself

Not only is wet carpet extremely heavy, it has lost 85% of its strength, and damages easily. Improperly detaching it from the tack strip can ruin it or create the need for extensive repairs.

8. Try not to panic and overdo

If you are injured or emotionally exhausted, it will just make a bad situation worse.

Now it’s time to call a carpet cleaning service in the Denver area. No doubt, all of us would like to help you, but some Denver carpet cleaning services are better equipped and trained than others. Here is an important fact to help you make your decision.

Training:

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, Restoration and Certification (IICRC) provides thorough instruction and training to qualify technicians to clean and dry water-soaked flooring properly. Without the use of correct procedures, tests, and equipment microbial growth in your home is likely to present a serious threat to your property and your health. Correct risk assessment, followed by close monitoring of the moisture in your flooring and your air are vital. If your cleanup is not performed correctly, you are in danger of widespread microbial growth throughout your house. Additionally, professional anti-microbial applications may be needed on some surfaces to provide adequate protection. An IICRC trained and certified technician is qualified to perform these services. You should feel free to ask for and inspect his license before the work begins.

The license should be a plastic card with a green, globe-shaped emblem with “IICRC” in the upper left-hand corner, (the official IICRC emblem), the technician’s name, and a list of the services he is qualified to perform. If “Water Damage Restoration” is on that list, he is qualified to help you. If not, this carpet cleaning service may not be the best one in Denver for you. You have a lot riding on your decision.

Future blogs on the subject will discuss how your IICRC certified carpet cleaning service (yes, you can find them in Denver) will inspect the water damage, provide you with the documentation you need to file an insurance or disaster claim, and proceed with the most efficient and economical cleanup .