The weather can be unpredictable at times. It can be an extremely dry day and then quickly change to a torrential downpour.
Rain may seem harmless, but there are times when it can cause a flood. Flooding is one of the most damaging experiences that homeowners go through.
It can damage the entire property, taking your belongings with it. Although it’s unlikely you’ll experience flooding, you still need to know what to do if your house floods. Continue reading to learn about key steps you should take.
Wear Protective Clothing
One of the first things you should do if your home is flooded is finding some protective gear to put on. It will allow you to remain safe from the floodwaters.
When your home floods, the water in the premises becomes contaminated, leaving you at risk of bacterial infections. There are electrical hazards as well since your electronics are now underwater.
Ensure that you’re wearing rubber gloves, a mask, and boots to protect yourself as you walk around your flooded home.
Find the Flood Source
Flood causes can differ from an act of nature to burst pipes in your home. Whatever the reason is, you’ll need to find the flooding source and stop it.
If rain has caused the flooding, you can seal up the area with materials that haven’t been damaged yet. However, if it’s a burst pipe, you’ll need to shut off the water supply in your home immediately.
Calling Your Insurance Company
Once the source is blocked off, it’s time to call your insurance company. Depending on your homeowner’s insurance, your policy may cover any flooding caused by burst pipes or natural disasters.
Make sure you listen to your insurance provider about flood cleanup and home restoration. They will send an adjuster to you to look at the damage to proceed with your claim.
Remove Water From Your Home
After getting the green light from the insurance company, it’s time to remove water from your house. Depending on the damage level, the amount of water you’ll have to clear will differ.
Buckets are an efficient way to remove water from your property. But they can be heavy, so be careful of injuring yourself during the process. You can also hire a water damage restoration company to help after a flood.
Salvage What You Can
Floods can cause damage to irreplaceable items that we may have, but all hope may not be lost. There’s a possibility that some of your belongings weren’t destroyed by the floodwaters.
As you’re working through the flood aftermath, make sure you salvage as many materials as you can. Mold can grow as early as 24 hours after a flood. So you’ll need to document what you need to replace if it’s been exposed to water.
Now You Know What to Do if Your House Floods
With these tips, you’ll know what to do if your house floods. Remember, the first priority is keeping your family safe. After that, you can begin home restoration with help from the appropriate services.
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