Hello World! Welcome Friends! Flooding is a common issue, with more than two million people affected between 1998 and 2017. It can weaken structures and lead to mold growth. So, follow these tips to minimize damage after an incident.
1. Identify the Water Source
Unless the flood is due to natural events, you want to find where the leak is coming from. You can do this by checking your water meter. Once you find the source, you can seal or turn it off.
A straightforward way to stop the running water is by turning off the main water valve. Try to learn its location before an emergency occurs. If you’re unsure of where it is, call your local water company for assistance.
2. Shut off Electricity
Once you have stopped the leak, turn off your electrical system. If appliances are still running, it could put your family at risk of electrocution. To shut off the power, locate the main electrical panel and turn off the main circuit breakers.
However, don’t walk through any water to reach the fuse box. If it is too hard to get to, call an electrician. Consider buying a backup generator to use an alternative source of power.
3. Leave Your House
Evacuate to a dry and safe space. You can stay with a neighbor or trusted friend. Make sure you account for all kids and pets once you arrive. If it’s a natural disaster, then seek a temporary shelter. You can find one by calling local authorities or listening to the news.
Since you may be there for a more extended period, prepare an emergency kit with canned foods and water. During the evacuation, stay as calm as possible so your kids feel safe.
4. Call for Assistance
The first thing to make sure is that everyone is safe. Call 911 if any family member is injured. Then make calls to start the recovery process. If you’re a renter, contact your landlord. Let them know what happened and see how they can help.
For homeowners, call your insurance company and report the water damage. The insurance adjuster will help you quantify the damage to your home, confirm that it is covered and help you identify contractors. They will usually help cover emergency mitigation expenses as well. Not all companies protect flooding by default, which may be an additional expense.
5. Document the Damage
You may want to start cleaning right away, but you need to take photos first. Documenting the home’s current condition shows your insurer the extent of the damage. Some of the water may have come from sewage and contain hazardous materials.
So, wear protective gear, including gloves, masks and waterproof boots when taking photos. Be sure to take pictures from all sides of the home and at a distance. That way, you can see the ground and elevation level.
6. Start the Clean-up Process
This can be a long process involving multiple steps. You need to remove water, save personal items and dry and disinfect the space. During the clean-up process, you need to wear protective gear.
To remove the water, buy or rent a sump pump and a wet/dry vacuum. To help dry out the space naturally, open windows and use dehumidifiers and fans. Check out The Red Cross website for more detailed information. Also, consider hiring a professional remediation company that has the proper equipment.
7. Prevent Mold
Mold growth is a common concern after water damage. If you leave it untreated, it can cause health issues for your family, such as irritating the eyes or throat. Keep the space dry and use a strong cleaner, like bleach, to prevent mold.
Consider hiring a mold inspector or testing service to ensure you don’t miss any areas. If you have mold, start with a bleach solution or call a mold remediation company.
8. Prepare for the Future
Even though you can’t control mother nature, you still want to be prepared. Dealing with water damage can be costly and create an unsafe environment. You can take steps to prevent future flooding. Your garage is one of the places that let water inside your home. So, replace your weatherstripping regularly and install french drains.
Here are some more ways to prepare for flooding:
- Buy water leak sensors.
- Have a smart home security system that includes flood detection.
- Purchase a sump pump.
- Get a waterproof safe for valuables and important documents.
9. Find Reputable Contractors
Many times a burst pipe can cause flooding issues. Sometimes plumbers will refer you to a specific restoration company. Just do your research and ensure they’re a reputable source. Ask about their licenses and certification and check online reviews.
Also, look out for unethical business practices. This can include when the restoration company pays the plumber a kickback for the referral. In addition, don’t start any work until an adjuster has people look at the damage and assess your claim.
10. Check for Hidden Water
Water can travel through structural elements, such as your floor’s ceiling and walls. They can go unnoticed until they accumulate in low points. To detect water in this area, use moisture meters. There are two different types-pin and pinless.
For pin ones, stick the pin into the material to measure electrical resistance. With pinless ones, place the electrode plate in contact with the material’s surface. If not removed, water can damage building structures and lead to health issues.
What to Do After a Flood
Flooding in a home can be a hassle and even damage property. However, there are things you can do immediately after to protect your home and family. Follow these steps to clean up and restore your house.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
Installing Tongue and Groove Floorings
Decorate Your Small House on a Budget
Increase the Security Level Of Your House
Different Ceiling Texture Types
Pick Up the Best Water Filter for Your Home
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Toodles,
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