What do you do when your home has fully been flooded? Here are a few tips to make the recovery process go as smoothly as possible. Prepare for a flood by taking the steps outlined in this article. Also, learn how to protect your valuables and how to find and hire professional help after a flood. If you have any questions, contact your insurance provider. A professional adjuster can help you determine your flood insurance coverage.
Preparing for a flood
If your home is at risk for flooding, you can use sand bags or plastic barriers to keep your possessions out of the water. Listen to local radio and TV channels for updates on the situation. Also, make digital backups of your important documents and move them to higher ground. If your home is affected by flooding, be sure to contact your power company to report any power outages. Whether you’re in a flood zone or not, don’t drive through the water.
Identifying and making “check valves” in your drainage system will help keep floodwater from backing up. These valves can be made from plywood, plastic sheeting, a hammer, a saw, and a few nails. Also, you can use a pry bar, shovel, or a hammer to install a “check” valve.
Cleaning up after a flood
Cleanup after a flood requires more than just drying out items in the sun. The safety of your home depends on how thoroughly you clean after a flood. Flood waters never fully recede and the danger of infection doesn’t go away, either. If you evacuated, wait until your local authorities give the all-clear and confirm that utilities have been turned off or tripped. You can also use a roll-off dumpster to dispose of flooded items.
Photographs taken during flood damage are essential for future insurance claims and tax deductions. You may also want to freeze books and papers until the water recedes. To prevent mold growth, disinfect surfaces with household cleaners and disinfectants. Use liquid or powder cleaners instead of aerosol products. Take pictures of any ruined areas and document the values of items. Photographs will help the insurance adjuster assess the damage to your home.
Protecting valuables after a flood
When there is a flood in your neighborhood, protecting your valuables is important. Water damage can destroy anything in its path, including valuable documents and clothing. Even if the items can be replaced, they will most likely not. In order to protect your valuables, it’s important to secure them in an airtight container. Gather plastic bags, airtight containers, and other protective items. In addition to putting them in airtight containers, make sure you move them to higher ground.
In addition to removing personal belongings from the affected area, you should protect important documents in the house. During a flood, floodwaters can damage poles and trees. Likewise, floodwaters can destroy houses and valuables. If you live in a flood-prone area, make sure your documents are stored in an airtight container. You may want to consider freezing them for later cleaning. But don’t forget to protect your electronics and jewelry!
Getting professional help after a flood
If you’re living in a flood-ravaged home, getting professional help can be helpful. Flood damage often leaves a mess, and repairs can take time. Large flood-damaged items may need to be replaced, and other possessions may need repair. In some cases, major construction is necessary, so you should check with your insurance provider before hiring a contractor. Flood damage specialists can also help you with insurance claims, as well as cleaning up the mess.
Before calling the plumbers, consider getting a professional cleanup crew to come in and help with the cleanup. Professional cleanup crews will assess your belongings to determine whether they can be salvaged. They will also dispose of anything damaged by the flood. Some homes may require a roll-off dumpster for trash and debris. To make the process go faster, you’ll want to remove anything that got wet and get it cleaned up.
Remaining safe after a flood
Once the flood waters recede, the dangers of flooding don’t end. Be sure to check your utilities and foundation for damage, and stay away from floodwaters. If your home has been fully flooded, the water can still contain hazardous materials, including gasoline, oil, and raw sewage. If you have to return home to avoid these hazards, remain calm and stay on the ground.
If your home has fully flooded, remain away from floodwater. Check power lines, and disconnect electrical equipment if possible. Be extra careful when walking in floodwater, and wear protective clothing and shoes. If you can, stay out of the flood zone until authorities have said it’s safe to enter your home again. Also, be wary of flood debris. Avoid contact with the water from streets, and stay away from flooded pipes and tree limbs. Call CanduPlumbing for any type of plumbing emergency.
