The Ultimate Guide to Things You Should Do After House Flooding
One of the most overwhelming things you can deal with as a homeowner is flooding. Flooding in your house can occur after heavy rains, busted pipes, a defective sump pump, or backing up of the sewer. Regardless of the reasons, you need to know crucial steps to take after flooding. It is important to consider flood and water damage restoration as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs in the future. Here are things you should do.
Consider Safety First
After severe flooding, the first and foremost thing you should do is consider your safety. You might have to leave the house to a drier and safer place. Wear protective clothing like gloves and gumboots, especially when dealing with sewage waste. You need to ensure you are safe from the chemicals or anything else the water might have dragged along. Throw away any food that has come into contact with the water.
Stop the Water from the Source
Turn off the source of water or seal the leaking pipes if the flood is not from heavy rains. You can do this by turning off the water from the main valve. Make sure you know where the valve is for easier handling of flooding. Turning off the source will stop the flooding and further damage.
Turn Off the Electricity
Water and electricity don’t play together. So, you will need to turn it off if you don’t want additional disasters. After stopping the water source, don’t just go into the flooding water. Find a safe way of reaching the fuse box, but if you can’t do that, it is best to call a professional.
Document
After doing the above things, you will now be starting to clean up and remove the water. However, before that, you need to document everything. Proper documentation is critical when filing insurance claims. You will need to produce proof of the flood and the damages incurred. So, take pictures and videos of the situation from all angles. The flooded water may contain harmful chemicals and sewage. So, ensure you wear protective gear throughout the period.
Call Your Insurer
The next crucial thing you will need is to call your insurance company. However, this step will be based on the insurance policy you have signed for. If your insurance company covers flooding from sewer drains, storms, or burst pipes, call them immediately. The company will send an adjuster to assess the situation and damage to determine how much loss you have incurred. The money from your insurer will help you with the repairs after water damage.
Start Cleaning Up
After calling your insurance, start the cleanup process. You will need to remove the water first and the damaged items in the room. The best way to handle this process is to call professionals. There is a lot you will need to do here, and without ample knowledge, you might not do it the right way. So, let the experts help you with the repairs.
To Wrap It Up
Many homeowners are affected by flooding from different origins. So, whenever such a disaster strikes, it is vital to know what to do to go back to your life. Make sure you do the things mentioned above, and you will be back on your feet in no time.