Flooding is one of the most destructive events that can happen to your home. It causes serious property damage, with the collateral damage from flooding running into hundreds of thousands of dollars on average.
And with the frequency and magnitude of flooding events increasing, the chance of your home receiving flooding happens more often than you’d like.
So, what should you do if your home suffers flood damage? Read on for our full guide.
Table Of Contents
Assessing the Extent of Flood Damage
Assessing the extent of flood damage can be a difficult process. It is important to act quickly and take a proactive approach. The first step is to be sure everyone is safe, away from the water, and out of harm’s way. The next step is to shut off the main power and gas supply to the affected areas.
When it’s safe to do so, make a visual examination of the property and document the damage. Take pictures and videos of the exterior, interior, and contents. It is important to note any existing damage that may have pre-dated the flooding.
Prioritizing Quick Repairs to Avoid Further Damage
When your home suffers flood damage, it is important to prioritize quick repairs from a restoration company in order to avoid further damage. The first step is to safely turn off circuit breakers and water sources to minimize the risk of electrical shock and further water damage.
If furniture and belongings have been affected by the flood, it is important to remove them as quickly as possible and to air dry or dry clean fabric items to reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth.
Contact Insurance and Mitigation Services
It is important to contact insurance and mitigation services immediately if your home has suffered flood damage. Insurance can help provide financial relief after a disaster such as flooding, while mitigation services can help limit the damage caused by floods and prevent further damage.
Insurance can help in the recovery process by covering costs related to water damage repairs, replacements, and clean-up. These professionals can provide assistance with waterproofing or damming off affected areas, repairing structural damage, and providing water extraction services.
Documenting All Damage for Future Claims
When your home suffers flood damage, there are certain steps you must follow in order to document all damage for future claims. Make sure to take photographs of the entire damaged area, including electric equipment, along with details of the visible damage.
Make a list of all the items that have suffered water damage, including any electrical appliances. It is important to check for water damage in the basement and other inaccessible areas, such as underneath the stairs or behind the walls.
Clean-Up the Property
Start by clearing the area of any loose or hazardous materials, such as furniture and belongings. Move any items that are in the path of the flood water to higher ground.
Work should begin with draining and drying the area, as well as assessing the damage and removing any debris or damaged materials from the site.
Read More About Flood Damage
Ending on a positive note, there are numerous ways to proceed when recovering from flood damage. Learn more about flood insurance coverage, contact qualified professionals for repairs, and consider other available resources.
Taking the necessary steps to restore your home ensures you can get back on track soon. After all, it’s never too late to act.
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