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Has it been almost six weeks since the biggest flood in Calgary’s history made all the headlines? If your house was swamped, you’ve probably done enough mud cleaning you could write a book on it. But before you move on, are you sure you’ve done everything you should? I helped haul off a lot of mud from my friends’ houses myself and have since learned some new things that could perhaps spare you a lot of headache and heartache.

 

Contact your utility company to make sure your appliances and electrical installations are safe to use.

Just because your appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes, and fuse/breaker panels are dry and working now doesn’t mean they’re fine and dandy. You don’t want a fire next time, or an electrocution, or your other appliances to conk out due to a short circuit. So it’s best to do your due diligence now for your peace of mind.

 

Beware of mold and mildew.

A long-term effect of flooding is the growth of mold and mildew. Your wallpaper, carpet, wood walls and floorboards, ceiling tiles, and mattresses, your kids’ stuffed toys, and your books and valuable papers may seem to have dried up, but mold and mildew starts growing as fast as 24 to 48 hours after a flood and may already be growing where you can’t see it. Experts say breathing in mold spores may cause anything from mere allergic reactions to asthma attacks and deadly brain, lung, nervous and immune system conditions. So check everything very closely and think hard if those stuffed toys and books are worth keeping. Ask a lawyer if you still need to keep your original damaged documents or if you can just jot down the information written on them. And consider hiring a professional mold inspection and home restoration company just to make sure your home has no lurking health and even structural dangers. Check out www.chbacalgary.com and www.renomark.ca for reputable contractors.

 

Get ready!

We were all caught with our pants down during that flood, and we’d certainly want to be more prepared just in case there’ll be a next time. So clean all your drainages regularly, put all your electricals on higher ground, secure your valuables, prepare emergency supplies, and know your community’s flood warning and evacuation plans.

 

You can’t be too careful after a flood. After all that upheaval, it’s tempting to think too early that the worst is over and get on with your life. But taking the three additional steps above will help you go all the way in protecting your family and your property from the hidden dangers of water damage.

 

Know someone who is looking to make a decision in real estate? If you know any friends, family or co-workers who are looking to buy, sell or invest in real estate within the next six months, would you forward this email to them or reply with their contact information? I’ll send them important information about the Calgary, AB surrounding area real estate market and politely ask for their business. I greatly appreciate your valued referrals; it’s the only way I build my business.

 

About the author:

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with Re-Max House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He is in love with his high school sweetheart, an enthusiastic Dad and crazy about endurance sports. To learn more about Bryon and his real estate tips, head on over to his website.

 

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