What to Do After a Flood: Steps to Take for Flood Restoration
Flooding can be disastrous, and it’s one experience everyone wants to avoid at all costs. In 2019 alone, flood damage left over 14 million Americans in the cold, with property losses running into billions of dollars. So, it’s paramount for well-prepared property owners to understand the proper steps to ensure a successful flood restoration process.
This article highlights some valuable tips for dealing with a flood situation.
Do Not Panic!
A flooding situation can be gut-wrenching for anyone, but staying calm can keep things on track and accelerate the recovery process. Flooding has potentially far-reaching effects on both residential and commercial property, so quick action after the event can make a difference in saving lives and assets. However, always think about safety first!
When water and electricity mix, the effects can be deadly, so shut off the power and contact the utility company for help. It’s also important to consider water contamination before entering an area. Flood restoration professionals typically rely on personal protective equipment ((gloves, boots, and masks) to prevent any injuries or infections.
On the whole, experts like Prime Restoration advise steering clear of floodwater. It can be difficult to tell what’s beneath the surface. The water might also still be in contact with a dangerous electrical current.
If floodwaters become unavoidable, be sure to shower and sanitize as soon as possible if clothing items or flesh happen to come into contact with the water. It also goes without saying that property owners must discard all food items contaminated with dirty water.
Have the local authorities advised moving to a safe place away from the damaged property? Heed these directives and only return to the property when everything’s under control. Professionals will also need to inspect for structural damage and ensure the building is structurally sound before the owner can settle in again.
Document Every Loss
After a flood, every homeowner or business owner should notify their insurer. Many insurance companies will send their adjusters to the site to document losses from storm or water damage emergencies. Even so, it’s best not to leave anything to chance, so make a list of all damaged possessions to compare to the adjusters.
- Step 1 Gather Evidence: Take photos or videos of all damaged items and property before beginning the flood restoration process. Nothing beats digital evidence as it allows for electronic storage and easy copying.
- Step 2 Collaborate with Insurance: Contact the insurance representative after documenting the flooding aftermath. The representative should have as much information as possible to help secure appropriate compensation.
- Step 3 Explore Other Help: Have the local authorities labeled the region a disaster area? Flood victims may receive financial assistance or resources to help with the restoration process.
Call for Help And Do Something While Waiting!
After doing everything necessary to stay safe, flood victims should make a distress call to anyone that might help salvage the situation. Friends, neighbors, religious groups, contractors, and volunteer organizations could all help. And there are some measures that could save time and reduce restoration costs while waiting for help to arrive.
- Inspect all belongings for water damage or mold.
- Keep the indoor air cold and dry to prevent mold and mildew growth.
- Remove all wet clothing and furniture from the building within 48 hours after a flood if it is safe to do so.
- After the excess water extraction and drying, clean the surfaces with non-ammonia detergent and bleach to prevent or eliminate mold.
The property owner may also want to consider donating, selling, or getting rid of any items they no longer need. However, they must remember to notify their insurer about any items they want to discard to find out what their policy covers.
It’s also a good idea to seal openings left by damaged or missing roof shingles, doors, and windows to avert further property damage. Taking photographic evidence of these actions might even prove to the insurance company that the owner went out of their way to protect their property.
Contact A Professional Restoration Crew To Help With Flood Restoration
Implementing these tips can keep flood damage to a minimum. However, property owners shouldn’t stop there. Hiring an experienced professional like Prime Restoration will ensure long-term results and a far easier recovery after floods, fires, and other disasters.
Prime Restoration provides high-quality flood and water damage restoration services in Spanish Fork, UT, and nearby areas. Anyone needing flood restoration services may reach them at (801) 509-6899 for more information.
