Accidentally flooding your home can happen to any of us. It could be from burst pipes, malfunctioning appliances, natural disasters or another reason altogether. Water damage can be difficult to deal with. But this blog will go through some important steps when facing unexpected flood damage in your home. From immediate actions to long-term solutions, we will cover even those in between too.
Assess the Situation
Assessing the severity of a flood requires prioritizing safety first. Switch off main water supplies if possible to stop further damage from flowing, as well as switch off electricity in affected areas to prevent any potential dangers (water and electricity don’t mix!).
Eliminate Water and Dampness
Once you have covered your safety, the next step should be to remove as much of the moisture as possible using buckets, mops or wet-dry vacuum. Opening windows and doors is good for ventilation which can help the drying process, while fans may speed up this timeframe and prevent mould growth.
Rent a Dehumidifier
If the flood water has left behind a lot of moisture build-up and dampness, hiring a dehumidifier will be your saving grace to speeding the drying process as well as prevent mould and mildew growth. Dehumidifiers help remove excess moisture from the air to provide faster drying times while decreasing humidity levels for safer restoration processes.
Save Your Stuff
As you remove water, be careful to save as much of your stuff as possible from being damaged by the water. Prioritize items of sentimental or high monetary value first when retrieving belongings and moving furniture and your possessions to safer areas for preservation. Elevating these goods by using blocks or foil may help stop further water damage too. Take photographs and videos of all the affected items for insurance purposes.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Get in contact with your insurer immediately, and let them know about the flood. Start also with the claims process immediately. Provide all of the important details, including photos and videos showing the damage. Remember, this is not the time to be difficult, so follow their instructions as instructed, keeping detailed records of communication such as claim numbers and the names of representatives you speak with.
Get Professional Help
While some aspects of the flood recovery can be handled on your own, if you want complete cleaning, mould remediation and structural repairs, it is a better idea to rather contact professionals for these services. They have all of the expertise and equipment at hand to make sure your home is restored efficiently and safely.
Conclusion
Flooding your home can be many things. From a terrifying experience to the most embarrassing moment of your year. But with proper knowledge and swift action taken, you can reduce the damage and restore your living space. Be sure to prioritize safety, remove excess water quickly from your living area, save your stuff that you can salvage quickly, contact your insurance provider promptly, as well as collaborate with professionals on damage assessments to mitigate future problems. By being proactive you can manage this watery situation successfully and return your home to its former dry state.
