Home flooding can occur as a result of external factors such as heavy rainfall and severe storms, or problems such as plumbing breakdowns. In fact, a home flooding can also occur due to a combination of both, such as a leaking roof during a heavy downpour.
Whatever the reason may be, there are some urgent steps that a homeowner must take in order to keep damages to the property to a minimum and ensure the safety of your family and belongings and reclaim as much of the repairing expense as possible from your insurer. This article will walk you through the 4 necessary steps you must take when faced with home flood.
The 4 Vital Steps to Take During a Home Flooding
Identify and Eliminate the Cause of the Flooding
Unless the flooding is caused by a natural disaster, your topmost priority should be to identify the cause of the flooding and eliminate it.
For instance, in case the flooding has occurred due to a fractured pipe in the basement, you can turn off the main water valve and prevent the situation from escalating further. This would be the simplest and most effective measure for stopping the water flow and therefore, would be an appropriate step to take in almost all instances of a home flooding.
Turn Off the Electricity
The second most important thing to do after stopping the water flow would be to cut off the electricity supply to the flooded area or your entire home. This is important because if the water were to contact any electrical outlets, the entire accumulated water would go live and could electrocute anyone who comes into contact with it. It could also lead to an electrical fire and various other dangers.
When turning off the electricity supply, don’t walk or swim through gathered water to get to the fuse box. Call an electrician if you can’t reach the fuse box without stepping through water.
Evacuate the Premises
If the problem is a busted pipe or sewage leak, get out of the house and try to find an unaffected dry spot outside. It could be as far as a neighbor’s or friend’s house or as close as your backyard. Ensure everyone is accounted for and safe, especially the children and any pets.
Find a temporary shelter in the event of a natural disaster by contacting officials or tuning in to the local news and get everyone to the shelter.
Call for Help
A small wet area or a minor spillage are problems that can be handled by a homeowner. However, a home flood definitely exceeds the expertise of an untrained and inexperienced person. That is why you should immediately call professionals for guidance on how you should proceed next and how you’ll get your home back to its pre-loss condition.
Need Help?
In the unfortunate case that you find yourself with a home flooding on your hands, reach out to STOP Restoration of Spokane for immediate assistance and support. Our experts have amassed years of experience handling home restoration projects and are therefore qualified to get your home back to its pristine condition in no time, and that too at a cost-effective price tag. Call now on (509) 818-7744 and get a team of STOP professionals on their way to you!
