When you come home to a soaked and flooded floor, it may be tough to figure out the next step due to panic. A flood may result from various factors, including internal issues like plumbing failures or external events like extreme weather. Whatever the root of the problem, you will need to take urgent steps to protect your family, reduce property damage, contain health hazards, and recoup most of your costs. Mancy companies like Robinson Restoration in Seattle offer remedies in such tough times. However, before you hire an expert, are some essential steps to take when looking to make the best of such a terrible situation.
Shut Off Water Flow
If your flooding has not been caused by a natural weather event, your first step should be to locate the source of the leak and turn it off. It is advisable to know where your main valve is so you can identify it quickly in the event of a flood. If you cannot find or turn off the source of the leak (e.g., a burst pipe), the easiest way to stop the flooding is to shut off the main valve to the house. Most mains are located outside the house but below ground.
Switch Off the Electricity
One of the most significant risks a flooded home poses is the genuine danger of electrocution. If you cannot switch off your electricity without walking through water, you should call your electrician urgently.
Find Temporary Accommodation
A flooded home is not only cold, soggy, and inhospitable. It poses significant health risks posed by dampness. Most homeowner insurance policies compensate for restoration costs and reasonable expenses when seeking alternative accommodation. You could check into a motel, seek accommodation with family or friendly neighbors or opt to camp out in your backyard (if the weather allows). Find a comfortable alternative because the restoration may take a while, depending on the extent of the flooding.
In a catastrophic weather event, ensure that all your loved ones are accounted for and tune into local news to find out where the temporary shelters are located. Relocate to the shelter and declare any missing persons as soon as possible.
Ask for Assistance
After getting your loved ones away from the flooding, your next step should be calling in some professional help. Always take your time to assess the situation to confirm whether one of your loved ones or pets requires medical assistance. Since the damage has already been done in the flooded house, don’t feel bad; you should focus on caring for the people you care about.
Renters who suffer flooding should call their landlords and appraise them of the situation. Homeowners should contact their insurer for instructions on how to proceed. Some insurers require an adjuster to visit and assess your home before you begin to clean up and repair it. It is crucial to contact your insurer to avoid invalidating your compensation claim later down the road.
Record Everything
Even when an insurance adjuster visits your home to take stock of the damage, you are well advised to keep your records. Use your smartphone camera to capture the extent of the damage caused by the flooding. Such evidence will ensure your claim for compensation sails through smoothly.
Even where it is not required, lodge your claim alongside photographic or video evidence. This motivates your insurer to award you the compensation you deserve. Take care not to wade in the flood water as it may be contaminated or otherwise hazardous.
It is highly recommended that you wear waterproof boots and gloves when documenting the situation.
Begin the Cleanup Process
After a flood, cleaning up is a long and back-breaking process. First, you will need to remove the water, rescue any personal items that you can, and dry all the moisture that may still be present while disinfecting where the water came into contact. This procedure should be undertaken using safety gear to avoid contamination by bacteria.
Stop Mold Damage
Primary water damage is not the only harm your property will suffer. There is secondary damage to consider. After flooding, you are at a high risk of mold infestation from the various types, including toxic or black mold, which can cause long-term health effects. Essentially, your main objective after a flood is to stop the flow, dry the area, and repair damage that may have occurred. Flooding is a serious event that can be overwhelming to handle alone. If you can afford to bring in professional help, do not hesitate. With sustained efforts, your home will be restored in no time.
Flooding is a serious event that can cause significant damage to your home and pose health risks to you and your family. It is important to take action immediately to minimize the damage and potential dangers. Find temporary accommodation, ask for assistance, record everything, and begin the cleanup process as soon as possible. Be sure to also take precautions to avoid mold damage. With sustained efforts, your home will be restored in no time.