What Should You Do When Your House Floods?
If your home floods, there are a few steps that you must follow, and there are two phases to conquer. Phase one is all about preparation, and phase two will require a lot of patience and teamwork.
The Most Important Steps
The first step is to stay calm. If you’re stressed out or overwhelmed, take a deep breath, or get help from a counselor.
When you’re ready and able to move forward, document everything by taking photos. Then, contact your home insurance provider. A typical policy will not cover flood damage. It will only cover roof damage and siding damage. Polices for flood damage do exist. If you’re interested in acquiring flood insurance, The National Flood Insurance Program is a great place to start.
Next, enter your home with a crew, and remove all items and debris from the premises. If you’re on a schedule, try to remove these items first:
- Soiled sofas and chairs
- Soaked carpeting
- Damaged appliances
- Damaged drywall
The Repair Phase
For this phase, you’ll need the right equipment for safety, but your gear is what matters the most. You must wear rubber gloves, sturdy rubber boots, and clothing that will dry easily like a pair of overalls.
Flood water can hold chemicals, paint residue, and other harmful substances. For these reasons, it’s not safe to enter a flooded area without a mask. There are two masks that are fit for the job. You could wear a P100 respirator or N95 mask.
Important Strategies for Safety and Success
Before you enter the home, ensure that it’s totally safe to do so. If the home’s structural integrity seems compromised, let a professional perform an inspection.
No matter if a professional performs the inspection or not, do not enter the home without shutting off your gas, electricity, and water. If there are any waterlines in your home that run above any electrical outlets, do not inspect these areas. This part of the inspection is a job for an electrician.
When everything has been removed out of your home, you’ll need to disinfect the floors with a proper cleaning agent. To make a cleaning solution, just combine a cup of bleach in a gallon of water. This solution will help you fight bacteria and mold.
