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Smithtown Nursery School Cleans Up From Major Storm

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On August 19, 2024, heavy rainfall caused by a major storm resulted in devastating floods across Suffolk County, Long Island. One of the hardest-hit areas was St. Andrew’s Cooperative Nursery School in Smithtown, where over four feet of water inundated the school’s basement classrooms. The flood destroyed toys, books, games, and flooring, putting the start of the school year at risk.

Despite the overwhelming damage, the Smithtown community rallied around the school, and Restoration 1 was able to provide help. St. Andrews has a special connection to Restoration 1, as some of the staff members attended the nursery school themselves. 

Volunteers also helped salvage what they could, and the school has been working hard to recover in time for the new school year. School officials plan to use first-floor classrooms while basement repairs continue, ensuring that classes can resume as scheduled. However, they require additional funding to fully recover from the storm.​

If you’d like to donate towards fundraising efforts, please click here.

Watch the full video here.

Recovering After a Flood

Flooding like this can be devastating for any facility. Whether it’s a school, home, or business, the key to recovering after a flood is acting quickly to minimize damage and start the cleanup process. 

Here are six practical measures to take following a flood:

Ensure Safety First

Your safety should always be the top priority when dealing with the aftermath of a flood. Before re-entering a flooded area, make sure local authorities have declared it safe from:

Contaminants carried by sewage or chemicals

Risks of electrocution due to downed power lines or exposed outlets

Structural damage as a result of intense water pressure

Document the Damage

Before starting any cleanup, document the extent of the damage by taking photos and videos of all affected areas. Capture wide shots of rooms as well as close-ups of individual items. This documentation will be needed for insurance claims, as many providers require visual proof of damage to process reimbursements. 

Be sure to record the condition of furniture, flooring, walls, and any affected electronics or appliances. It’s important to be thorough, as this step ensures that you receive compensation for everything that was lost or damaged during the flood.

Start Water Removal

Once it’s safe, you can begin your post-flood cleanup by removing standing water. This is a crucial step, as exposure to water can warp wood, weaken your home’s structural integrity, and promote bacterial growth. The longer the water sits, the more damage it can cause to your property.

Standing water removal is often done using pumps and wet vacuums, but a bucket will do the trick. Depending on the severity of the flooding, this process might take some time.

Dry the Area

After you’ve removed all the standing water, it’s crucial to dry out the area as soon as possible to prevent further damage. You can use fans, dehumidifiers, and even open windows to encourage airflow and help the space dry out faster. 

Dehumidifiers are helpful for pulling excess moisture from the air, especially in humid environments. Fans can speed up the drying process by circulating air, and opening windows creates natural ventilation. 

Pay close attention to hard-to-reach areas like closets, crawl spaces, and corners. These spots tend to trap moisture and are easy to overlook. Make sure they’re properly aired out, as leaving them damp can create the perfect breeding ground for mold.

Check for Mold

Mold can start to grow just 24 to 48 hours after a flood, especially in damp, dark places. It not only damages your property but can also pose serious health risks, particularly for those with allergies or respiratory issues. 

Be thorough when checking for mold. Look for discoloration on your walls, ceilings, and furniture, and pay attention to any musty smells. If spotted, it needs to be cleaned immediately using the proper cleaners. In more serious situations, professional mold remediation might be necessary to completely eliminate the risk.

Dispose of Contaminated Items

Floodwaters often carry bacteria, chemicals, and other contaminants that can seep into porous materials like carpets, upholstered furniture, and insulation. Keeping compromised materials can put your health at risk; if these items are soaked, they may need to be thrown out if they can’t be properly cleaned. 

Seeking Professional Help

While there are steps you can take on your own, there are times when you will need to call in the professionals for assistance. Restoration companies are equipped to handle the complex tasks that come with flood recovery, ensuring your home or business is safe and fully restored. 

Professional restoration companies like Restoration 1 can assist you in the following:

Water Extraction: We quickly remove standing water, preventing further structural damage.

Drying and Dehumidification: Using specialized equipment, we dry out even the most challenging spots to reach, ensuring no moisture is left behind.

Mold Remediation: If mold has started growing, we’ll identify and remove it to keep your space safe.

Structural Repairs: Whether it’s damaged floors, walls, or other areas, we restore your property to ensure it’s secure and functional.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery with Restoration 1

If your home or business has been affected by water damage, Restoration 1 is here to help. With expert teams ready to respond 24/7, we provide comprehensive solutions to get you back on your feet. From water extraction to mold remediation, we ensure that your property is restored safely and efficiently to its pre-loss condition. 

Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation.

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