Every year, global flood damage costs more than 40 billion dollars and about 100 lives. With the increasing impact of climate change, scientists predict that many territories will be flooded by the year 2050. However, to many people, this all seems to be a far-off and distant concern; yes, it happens, but only to other people. This is why it can be such a rude awakening when your home is flooded. Not many people prepare for future floods if they’ve never had one before, so it’s understandable to be caught off guard and at a loss for what to do. Don’t worry; we’ve broken down the appropriate steps to take to minimize threats and damages after a house flood.

Step One: Disconnect Water and Electricity

Electricity and water are a dangerous mix. Once you notice the water rising during a house flood, turn off your main electric line as soon as possible. Do this before the house flood rises to the level of your lowest power outlet and make sure to wear rubber boots and gloves to avoid electrocution. If the house flood is due to a pipe leak or a damaged faucet, turn off the main water line quickly! Afterward, you can call a plumber to fix the problem. You might need to evacuate while waiting for the house flood to settle. Bring key items with you like clothes, food, money, and potable water. In the future, you can assemble an emergency kit to keep on hand for these situations.

Step Two: Document, Document, Document

As soon as you get back to your home, start taking pictures! This will give you a better idea of the damage and the costs of the repair. Make sure to take photos in every step of the draining, drying, and cleaning process. Include furniture and household appliances that are ruined by water. This will help when making your insurance claim.

Step Three: Remove Standing Water

Once it’s safe to go back home, you can focus all your energy on removing the water from the house flood. You can use buckets to move water off the floor. Your plan of attack depends on the severity of the flooding. When all of the water is removed, you’ll be left with a damp house. You can dry carpets using a shop vac and wipe down furniture to speed up the drying process. If the weather permits, you can also open your windows to let the humidity air out. Once the power is safe to use, plug in a dehumidifier and let this run as well. This can speed up ventilation and help things dry out faster.

Step Four: Call Your Insurer

The truth is that there’s only so much you can do with the cleaning process. This is when you call your insurer to assess the damage. The insurance company will answer for any damages caused by the flood. The covered cost depends on your policy, but for the most part, they will be paying for professional cleaning and the reimbursement of lost items. They may also pay for accommodation expenses while the property is undergoing restoration.

Step Five: Clean Up and Repairs

After removing the water and starting the drying process, the real work of cleaning up and repairing your home begins. Even though you may have handled some of the immediate cleanup yourself, a professional deep clean is often necessary to fully restore your home after a flood. Floodwaters can leave behind not only visible damage but also hidden issues that can worsen over time if not addressed properly.

One of the first priorities in the cleanup process is removing debris and any items that cannot be salvaged. Furniture, carpets, and personal belongings that were submerged for too long or are heavily contaminated may need to be discarded. While it can be tough to part with some possessions, keeping waterlogged items can pose health risks, such as mold growth or bacteria buildup. It’s important to remember that safety comes first—contaminated items should be disposed of promptly to avoid spreading harmful bacteria or mold spores throughout the home.

Hire a Professional Cleaner

Hire a professional cleaner who specializes in water damage restoration. These experts will thoroughly assess your home for lingering moisture, structural damage, and the early signs of mold. Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours after water exposure, and it spreads quickly in damp environments. A professional flood damage cleaner will have the proper equipment to not only dry out your home but also eliminate mold from hard-to-reach areas, such as behind walls and under floors. They will also use specialized cleaning agents to disinfect areas where floodwater may have introduced harmful bacteria.

Restoration services often include repairing damaged walls, replacing flooring, and installing new carpets if necessary. Some repairs may be as simple as fixing minor drywall damage, while others may involve more extensive construction, such as replacing structural components that were weakened by prolonged exposure to water. A thorough inspection of your home’s foundation, walls, and insulation is also critical, as these areas are especially vulnerable to water damage.

Physical Repairs

In addition to physical repairs, restoring your home’s air quality is crucial. Damp, flood-damaged homes can develop a musty smell due to trapped moisture and mold spores. Dehumidifiers and air purifiers can help improve air quality, but professional-grade equipment might be needed to fully restore the air to a healthy level. Flood restoration specialists will use industrial dehumidifiers and air movers to extract moisture from the air and prevent further damage.

Home & Auto Resources

Your home is your castle, and it’s a huge financial investment, too! As a homeowner, you should know how to prepare, repair, and restore your property to guarantee its good value. Visit Home & Auto Resources for a collection of information to help you with your home and automobile!