It is a very unpleasant experience to start a day with a flood, but it can happen if you least expect it. When a flood takes over your home, everything you own is at risk. You need to act fast when water threatens your home. This guide will help you take care of yourself and your property after flooding.
Assess the Damage
You’ll want to get an assessment as soon as possible to determine what repairs are needed. You may need the services of an insurance adjuster or other professional who can help you evaluate the damage. A good place to start is at https://877rcfloodpc.com/.Â
Document Everything
Take photographs and videos of the damage, including any personal property ruined by water. If possible, make a list of all items damaged or destroyed to provide proof of ownership for future claims or insurance purposes. Keep all receipts for repair expenses and other costs related to the flood event.
Turn Off the Electricity
The other step should be to turn off the electricity before wading into the water or entering a flooded area. Shut off power at the main circuit breaker or fuse box. Then test circuits with a noncontact circuit tester or by plugging in an appliance and seeing if it works properly. Floodwater can also damage appliances even when turned off, so you may want to unplug them rather than risk turning them on later, only to break down again immediately or catch fire.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to let them know that you’ve been affected by a flood or other natural disaster so they can start processing your claim immediately. They may require copies of receipts for repairs or proof that you purchased flood insurance before they will process your claim.
Move Furniture That Can Be Salvaged to High Ground
If possible, move furniture off wet carpets and onto dryer areas of your home; otherwise, place a tarp under furniture legs to reduce the risk of stains and damage from standing water in carpets. Clean up any mud or dirt under the legs of chairs or tables before moving them into drier areas of the house.
Clean and Disinfect All Surfaces
If the flood was caused by sewage or other contaminants, you’ll want to clean all surfaces thoroughly with soap and water. Disinfectants can help kill off any remaining bacteria or germs lingering on your floors or furniture.
If you have hardwood floors in your home, you may need to call in a professional for cleaning and refinishing services. This is especially true for carpeted floors if the flood was caused by sewage or other contaminants. The longer you wait before cleaning up these areas, the higher the risk of mold growth and other complications down the road.
A flood can be a scary, potentially dangerous situation. It’s important to remember that you are not helpless in these situations—with the proper preventative measures and step-by-step response plan, you can make the recovery process much easier for you and your family.
