Flooding is the most common natural calamity in the world, accounting for 40% of all-natural calamities. Many homes in Florida and Nova Scotia were destroyed by Hurricanes Ian and Fiona. With the increased frequency of flash floods in the United States in recent years, it is critical to understand what to do if a flood occurs in your area and damages your home.

Water from a flash flood, leaks, or other plumbing problems can cause your home to flood. In either case, you must exercise caution when re-entering a flooded home. These are the steps you must take following flood damage to your home.

1. Block the Water at Its Origin

This is only possible if your home is not flooded as a result of a natural disaster. If the flood is caused by a plumbing system problem, locate the leaking area in the plumbing system or source of water and seal it off or turn it off. The most effective way to prevent additional water from entering your home is to locate and turn off the main water valve that directs water into your home.

2. Switch Off the Electricity and Shut Off the Gas

Once the water has been stopped at its source, locate and turn off the electric and gas outlets in your home. However, this is not always possible. Don’t try it if you have to walk through water to get to the power box.

Also, if the standing water level has risen above electrical equipment such as baseboard heaters, water heaters, electrical outlets, or the furnace, or is close to the electrical panel, call an electrician to turn off the power and disconnect electrical appliances instead.

3. Vacate the Building

If the flooding was caused by a plumbing issue, such as burst pipes, you and your family should evacuate to a safer location, such as your front yard, a friend’s or relative’s home, or a hotel. Include your pets in your calculations. If the problem is the result of a natural disaster, find out where a temporary shelter is by following local news or contacting authorities.

According to the CDC, you should avoid flood water in flooded areas because it may contain live electric currents, animal or human waste, dead animals, or dangerous chemicals. Another major reason to evacuate is that floods can cause structural damage, putting your life in danger from falling debris. Not to mention any downed power lines in the area, which could be fatal.

 

 

4. Seek Assistance

When everyone in the family is safe, contact the appropriate authorities for assistance. If no one is hurt and you do not require an ambulance, contact the appropriate people who will assist you in beginning the home recovery process. If you have rented the property, contact your landlord and inform them of the situation.

If you are a homeowner, notify your insurance company that your home has suffered water damage. Before you start cleaning and repairing the house, find out if the insurer will send an adjuster to assess the situation.

5. Take photos

Don’t start cleaning the place right away. It would be beneficial if you first captured everything so that you could show the images to the insurer. This will allow them to assess the extent of the damage. Before entering the house, put on protective clothing and shoes, such as gum boots, because flood waters may contain sewage or other dangerous substances.

Collect any broken or ruined furniture and appliances, moisture damage, broken windows and doors, water level, and roof damage such as leaks, holes, and broken or missing shingles.

6. Begin the Cleanup Job

To determine if your home’s structure is damaged, look for warping, cracks, or a loosened foundation. If it is damaged, you will need to hire a construction company to repair it and avoid entering the building for your own safety. You can begin cleaning if there are no signs of structural damage. It entails draining the flood waters, salvaging any personal belongings, removing the flooring, and discarding perishable foods.

7. Prevent mold growth

When there is a flood in a home, there is a high risk that mold and mildew will begin to grow quickly and negatively impact the lives of the home’s occupants. This mold is black or hazardous mold, and it is not the typical mold found in a damp basement. It can grow weeks or months after the flood on the roof, floor, or walls. To avoid this problem in the future, keep the affected area as dry as possible and use high-quality cleaning products.

The best way to ensure that your home has been properly dried is to hire a restoration company. To do this type of work, they have powerful equipment and experienced professionals.

 

 

8. Do an Indoor Air Test

After a flood, hire the right people to conduct an air test in your home. The purpose of the air test is to see if it matches the conditions outside the house. Poor air quality can cause dangerous diseases for you and your family, as well as make life unpleasant, so avoid areas with poor air quality.

Floods can occur anywhere and anytime, so it is essential to always be ready. Your home can flood suddenly and throw you into confusion. You can prepare for such an event by purchasing a sump pump, storing documents and valuables in a waterproof safe, and investing in flood detection technology and water leak sensors.

Why Choose Titan Restoration Construction in West Palm Beach, FL

Titan Restoration Construction is a trustworthy company that provides a variety of services such as water restoration, fire restoration, and new construction. It serves residents of Martin, Dade, Palm Beach, and Lucie counties in South Florida. Our workers are all insured, bonded, and licensed. We can assist you with insurance claims because we have extensive experience assisting South Florida residents with water damage documentation.

After we assess the situation, we will get right to work restoring your home and preventing further damage. We also specialize in mold remediation and know how to keep mold from growing in your home. We will take good care of your home. Contact us right away for prompt and dependable restoration services in South Florida.