What To Do After a Flood?

Floods remain one of the most common disasters in the United States. There is no way to control the floods. They are dependent on a number of factors such as rainfall, topography, river-flow, weather changes, and many more.

Although there are many measures that you can take before the flood, however, if it comes uninvited and causes severe damage, you need to perform water damage restoration as soon as possible.

What to do After a Flood?

Here are a few steps that you should follow immediately after the flood!

1. Take Pictures

In order to claim your insurance, you need some damage proofs. So, before removing water or starting with the cleaning process, click photographs or make a video of the damaged area. If you will start the repairing process before taking photographs, there’s a possibility that you might face a challenge while claiming the insurance.

2. Start the Flood Cleanup Process

While cleaning the mess from flood, it is vital to maintain proper hygiene. Minimize the contact with floodwater until you are sure that the water is not contaminated. Keep children away from the affected areas during cleanup operations.

Recommended Water Damage Restoration Equipment

1. Pails, Mops, and Squeegees
2. Gloves
3. Plastic Garbage Bags
4. Masks and other Protective Gear
5. Unscented Detergent
6. Large Containers
7. Clotheslines to Hang Clothes
8. Bed Sheets to Dry

Recommended Read: How Long Does it Take to Dry Water Damage?

3. Call Your Insurance Company

The most crucial step while dealing with floods is notifying your insurance company. If the complete locality of the area is affected, it is a good decision to contact your insurance company’s headquarters.

Conventional homeowners insurance policies don’t cover most of the groundwater flood damage. So, you’ll need to work with your insurer to ascertain the cause of the flood and the amount of your coverage.

It is always advisable to inform your insurance representative about your home’s state and any repairs that you plan to do immediately. Be sure to document the damage and conversations with the representative at every stage of the process.

Note: If you are working with an insurance contractor to complete extensive repairs, the process could take as little as one week and can extend up to 4-6 months.

4. Mitigate Mold Damage

Flood leads to mold growth within 24 to 48 hours. In fact, mold can develop in wet areas including bedding and carpeting. If any item has been wet for more than 48 hours, there are chances that it would be attacked by mold. Hence, it is necessary to clean the water as soon as possible.

Recommended Read: Can Bleach Make Mold Worse?

If you are unable to do the cleanup independently, it’s best to get help from the experts.

Expert Tip: Also, notify your insurance company before removing the items to ensure that you’re not affecting coverage. Always photograph the flood-soaked items to claim the insurance.

Other Important Tips to Follow After a Flood:

1. Stay away from damaged areas without any professional assistance.
2. Stay safe. Flash floods can occur anytime. Listen to local warnings and information.
3. Return to your home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
4. If your car is stalling in rapidly rising waters, get out immediately and climb to higher ground.
5. Emergency workers will always be there helping people in flooded areas. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way.
6. Stay on firm ground. Moving water that is only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Moreover, standing water may be electrically charged from downed or underground power lines.
7. There’s a chance that roads are closed after flood and barricades will be placed for your protection. Therefore, it’s recommended to avoid traveling immediately after floods, as roads will be damaged or covered by the water.
8. Floods may change your familiar places. Floodwaters often decay the walkways and roads. Flood debris may hide garbage or animals hence making it slippery. Avoid walking or driving through it.
9. Be extremely attentive while entering into the buildings; there may be hidden damage, especially in foundations.

If your home is affected by floods, don’t hesitate to take professional help. Our team of water damage restoration experts will immediately come to rescue your home from floods!