A flooded house whether caused by heavy rains, groundwater, sewage backup, pipe bursts or malfunctioning of the water system is a devastating experience. No homeowner likes to go through situations like these that are hazardous to health and property. Unfortunately, such events could happen at any moment, bringing the whole house down. Even when you feel all hope is gone, there are still some things you could do to turn the situation around. Here are a few tips to help you deal with a flooded house.
Ensure safety
The most important step when dealing with a flooded house is to make sure you and your family are safe. If the flood situation is too bad, forcing you to leave home for a while, take safety measures before entering the flood-damaged home to deal with the aftermath.
Start by switching off the power supply, as electricity and water is a deadly combination. As you will be dealing with not just water but also bacteria, contaminants, and chemicals ensure you wear a protective gear to avoid cross-contamination. This includes boots, gloves, goggles, and clothing before stepping back into a flooded house. It is always good to protect yourself from possible hazards.
Do not consume any foods after a flood as they could be contaminated and could cause illnesses. Wash all plates, cutlery, glasses and other dishes thoroughly before putting into use.
Stop and remove water
When faced with a flooded house scenario, one of the first things to tackle is to detect the source of water and try to stop the water from coming in. If there is a problem with your sump-pump, have it repaired or replaced immediately. This will help cope with continuous rainfalls and avoid further damage to your basement, crawlspace or garage. You may have to call in professionals to clear out all the debris from storm drains to help stop the flooding.
If the flood occurred due to a pipe burst, get the plumbing repaired right away to mitigate water damage. Once you have stopped the water from coming in, the next thing to do is to remove the water. This step would depend on the level of flooding in your home. To empty all the water out, you could use buckets.
In case of heavy flooding in the basement, hoses are a good option to drain out the water. After draining out almost all the water, the remaining water and moisture from carpets and flooring can be removed using a wet vacuum.
Dry the place
Even after removing all the water, the place could still be wet or damp especially if the humidity level is high. If possible, switch on your air conditioning and fans to dry the wet areas thoroughly.
Dehumidifiers can be very useful in closed areas like basement or crawl spaces. They help to get rid of excess moisture present in the air. This is an effective method to dry out the affected place and reduce the effects of water damage in a flooded house.
Contact your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company immediately to report the loss. The company will send an adjuster to study and evaluate the level of damage and determine to what extent the loss is covered. Cost of repairs can be high depending on the level of damage, but the insurance money will help repair and put your flooded house in order without much of a financial burden on you.
In case of a large weather event, it may not be possible for the company to send an adjuster immediately. Hence, it is important to document all the damage and take several photographs of the flood-affected areas. This will help the adjuster in assessing the extent of water damage.
Clean up and Repair
Your next step is to focus on a thorough cleanup and repair of your home. Get a professional cleaning and water restoration company to take up this task. As part of the process, they will determine the items that are salvageable and ones that need to be disposed of.
You might have to replace the drywall, flooring, carpeting, or insulation if they have been compromised. Furniture items may be cleaned and restored or discarded depending on the extent of water damage.
If you notice mould growth in your home, it is best to call a mould removal company to get rid of it.
To repair any electrical damages call for electricians, and if there has been massive structural damage turn to a construction company for help.
See Also: Flood Damage – Do’s and Don’ts
Always remember, professionals possess sufficient knowledge and resources to tackle situations like dealing with a flooded house, hence it’s best to rely on them instead of taking charge of the dangerous mess. For a professional water damage restoration or cleanups related to floods, mould or sewage, call One Prime Services on 1300 774 631. Our team of professionals can help put your life and home back in order.