What are the steps that you can take to save your flooded home from water damage? Read on to find out!
Dealing with a house flooding can be a pretty daunting, intense, and overwhelming experience. After all, a flood causes significant water damage to your property and leaves you emotionally and monetarily scarred. As for the emotional trauma, it will take its time to heal. However, there are a few ways in which you can minimize the damage that your property faces after a flood. It’s all about being proactive and taking the right steps at the right time.
So, here are the steps that you need to take to protect yourself and your house after a flood:
Cut Off the Water Source
Unless your home is flooding due to natural causes, find where the water is pouring in from and turn off the source or seal it up. The best way to cut off the flow of water is to turn off the main water valve that’s coming into your home. This will ensure that your property does not face extensive water damage.
Shut Down the Electricity
Make sure to turn off all electrical systems within your home. However, be careful not to walk through the pooling water to get to your fuse box. If you can’t access your fuse box without endangering yourself, then call an electrician.
Evacuate your Home
If you are facing a sewage leak or a ruptured pipe, evacuate your home and find a dry spot outside. Make sure that your entire family is safely outside with you. In the case of natural flooding, find a temporary shelter space and relocate there with your family right away.
Call your Landlord or Insurer
Once you and your family are all safe, make sure to inform the appropriate parties about the flooding. If you are a renter, call your landlord and tell them about the flooding. However, if you are the owner of the property, call your insurance company and tell them about the water damage. Make sure to inquire if you’ll have to wait for an adjuster to visit your property before you begin the cleanup process.
Take Pictures of the Damage
Make sure to document the extent of the water damage before you start the cleanup process. Use your phone to take photos and videos of the damage. If the flooding was due to a sewage leak, then make sure that you don’t touch anything and wear protective gear to keep yourself safe from hazardous materials.
Clean up Your Property
Cleaning up after a flood is a tiresome and time-consuming process. You’ll have to remove all the water, salvage your furniture and personal belongings, thoroughly dry the interior of your house, and disinfect it. It is not something that you can DIY. You’ll need the help of a reliable professional company that is well-versed in dealing with water damage.
Prevent Mold Damage
Aside from immediate property damage, you need to consider the long-lasting impact of the flooding. Mold is a significant issue that crops up after house flooding. As mold thrives in wet environments, a flooded home with significant water damage presents the ideal environment for mold colonies to thrive. Mold can cause structural damage to your property and can affect your health as well.
To avoid mold damage, keep all the rooms of your home thoroughly dry after the flooding, ventilate your home, and treat potential problem areas with a bleach solution as a preventative measure. However, if you see mold growing in your home despite your efforts, then seek professional help right away.