If your house floods, it can be a devastating experience. Not only do you have to deal with the mess and damage that has been done to your home, but you also have to worry about the safety of your family and possessions. To help alleviate the stress of this situation, we’ve outlined some steps you can take to get back to normalcy if your house floods.
Follow these steps to get your life back on track after a flood!
Identify where the flooding is coming from
The first thing you need to do is identify where the flooding is coming from. If the water is entering your home through a broken window or a crack in the wall, then you will need to take steps to stop the flow of water and repair the damage. If the flooding is caused by heavy rains or a storm, you will need to wait for the water to recede before you can begin the cleanup process.
If you can safely shut off the water supply to your home, do so immediately. This will help minimize the amount of water that continues to flood into your home. If you are unable to shut off the water supply, call a plumber right away. Do not try to fix the problem yourself – you could end up making the situation worse.
If the flooding is due to weather or a natural disaster, call the authorities and ask for help. If you are in a flood zone, have a flood plan in place. This will help you know what to do if your home floods. Because we do experience flash floods in Northern Nevada from time to time, being prepared with sandbags to divert water flow is a great first step to prevent flooding.
It’s important to note: preventing future flooding is just as important as cleaning up after a flood. Be sure to check your gutters and downspouts to make sure they are clear of debris. The best way to prevent water damage is to be prepared for it. Make sure you have insurance that covers flooding, and keep an emergency kit handy.
File a claim with your insurance company
When you have flooding in your home, the first thing you should do is call your insurance company. They will be able to help you determine what coverage you have and how to file a claim.
Before cleaning up, be sure to take photos of all of the damage in and around your home. This will help document the extent of the damage for your insurance claim.
Start the cleanup process
It is important to start the cleanup and restoration process as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more damage will be caused and the more difficult it will be to restore your home.
If you have any furniture or possessions in the flooded area, remove them and dry them out as soon as possible. You can use a dehumidifier or a fan to start the drying out process. If you are unable to dry out the furniture or belongings yourself, take them to a professional restoration company. They will be able to use special equipment to dry them out quickly and safely. Do not try to clean any of your possessions with water – this could damage them even further.
Once everything has been removed from the flooded area, start cleaning up the mess. The first step is to remove any standing water from your home. Use a wet/dry vacuum or mop to remove as much water as possible.
If you have carpets in your home, it is important to get them cleaned as soon as possible. Flood water can cause mold and mildew to grow, which can be harmful to your health.
Use a strong disinfectant to clean all surfaces. Be sure to pay special attention to areas where water may settle, such as in corners and under furniture.
It is important to make sure that the flooded area is completely dry before moving furniture and possessions back to the area in order to prevent future damage.
Consider consulting a professional to clean up the mess and dry out your home
The process of cleaning up after a flood and ensuring your home is safe again can be overwhelming. If you do not feel confident doing this yourself, or if you don’t have the time, there are professionals who can help! Whether you have questions about how to clean or dry out your home, or need someone to take over the proces, give us a call! We can ensure you get your home back to normal as quickly as possible.
Stay safe and dry out there!
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The impact of heavy rain on your house can lead to considerable damage, as it has the potential to flood basements, ruin foundations and building materials, and contribute to mold growth. When the rainwater puddles around your home, the water seeps into the ground and can crack the foundation. Once cracks form, water can leak in, making your basement damp or wet. The dampness in your basement will attract mold and mildew, along with pests like termites and carpenter ants.The extent to which damage can occur is contingent on precipitation volume and storm duration. Here at Tahoe Brothers Construction, we offer restoration services to combat such water damages.
