You’ve just experienced a house flood that has destroyed at least some of your property and valuables. You’re likely thinking, “Now what?”
Depending on the severity of the flood or water damage, there are some best practices to consider as you navigate this disaster and work to restore your home and contents.
Document the Damage
If it’s safe to enter the home, you’ll need to get in there to assess the damage. But first, if you enter the home, wear protective clothing like gloves, masks, and waterproof boots. Floodwater can contain harmful bacteria, so be sure to protect your skin.
Next, you want to document the flood damage before you start cleaning up. Take photographs and video footage of your home to document the home’s condition and any damage to the contents inside.
Get the Water Out
Next, you want to get the water out of your home as soon and as safely as possible. Depending on the extent of the water damage, you will need to contact a flood restoration company to handle the cleanup.
A professional restoration company will have the appropriate equipment—and the expertise—to clean up contaminated water safely. In the meantime, using a wet-dry vac can help to remove water. Remember that in a flooded home with live electricity, you risk electrocution, so don’t turn on the lights or touch anything that uses electricity until you are sure the power is off.
Another part of cleanup is keeping humidity levels low inside the home. So, after you’ve cleaned up, open the windows and dry out your house using fans and dehumidifiers— this will help prevent moisture and mold from causing lasting damage to your home.
Call Your Insurance Provider
At this point, you’ll want to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance company. Your insurance policy requires you to report the loss “as soon as reasonably possible.” You can find your claim number by calling your agent or your insurance company’s claims department. The insurance adjuster can help you calculate the damage to your home, confirm the coverage, and help you find contractors or restoration companies to help repair the home and restore your contents. If you’ve already made any purchases or paid for any services, such as an emergency plumber, be sure that you keep all receipts.
The Role of Restoration Companies After Disaster
Restoration companies are usually the first responders when a house flood, water damage, sewage back-up, or other major event occurs. The job of a restoration company is to clean up the mess and to preserve and protect the home and its contents so that further damage will not occur.
Any water damage to your house or workplace requires prompt action. That’s why at Core, we work with plumbers, water mitigation companies, flooring companies, general contractors, and other restoration companies to facilitate the fastest water damage cleanup to restore your property. Plus, we perform packing and moving and the restoration of hard contents, textiles, and electronics.
Do you have questions as you walk through the restoration process after a house flood or sewage back-up? Are you wondering what hiring a content restoration partner can do for you? Give us a call, and we can help you through the process.
