If you’re a homeowner and you’ve recently experienced flood damage in your home, there are several things you need to know. After all, the more water you have, the more damage you’ll likely have to clean up. But you can do a few things immediately to help you deal with the aftermath.
Taking A Deep Breath
Flood damage is devastating and requires patience and a calm mind. Feeling anxiety and fear is normal, but you must remember that things will improve. The first step is to get your home back on a dry floor. If possible, leave your children with a relative or a friend. If you have pets, secure them from danger. Check your home’s exterior to ensure it’s safe before stepping inside. Look for cracked foundations or damaged power lines. If standing water is still present, don’t walk on it. Other parts of your home may have been damaged, such as porch roofs or overhangs.
Cleaning
If your home has suffered flooding, it is essential to clean it properly. This will prevent the growth of mold and mildew. To combat this problem, thoroughly clean the affected areas with bleach and disinfectant cleaners. Afterward, you should let them air dry. If you don’t want to use bleach, you can use vinegar or baking soda. Essential oils can also be used to disinfect the area. First, take out any soaked carpet. You may be able to salvage some pieces of furniture, depending on their moisture level. However, if they are beyond repair, you should discard them. Otherwise, you can drape them over chairs or sawhorses and air them out.
Mold Growth
When a flood damages your home, it’s essential to dry out the affected areas quickly. Even if you think the area is already dry, mold may take two to three days to grow. To minimize the chance of mold growth, you should keep the area dry by using speed-drying equipment and moisture meters. If you notice a regrowth of mold, you should consult experts like Remedics Charlotte to remove the affected material and repeat the cleaning and drying process. Mold will grow in porous materials, including carpeting, padding, insulation, and wallpaper. It can also grow on food, paper, and clothing. The mold in these items can cause allergic reactions, so cleaning them thoroughly is important.
Getting Back To Normal
Flood damage to your home is a big problem, and getting back to normal can be difficult. You may have a lot of things to worry about, such as broken windows, damaged flooring, and damaged possessions. However, there are a few things you can do to minimize damage and get your home back to normal as quickly as possible. To start with, make sure to board up broken windows and remove any debris from the flooded areas. Flood damage can be very destabilizing and can cause you a lot of headaches. You will want to get back to normal as quickly as possible, replacing the damaged goods and ensuring the safety of your family. You may also need to get your home tested for mold and make sure it is sanitized. Even if your home doesn’t look damaged, the water can still cause mold and other problems. Mold can grow in porous materials such as carpets, insulation, drywall, and even blankets.
Documenting Claims
After flood damage has occurred, documentation is crucial in helping to resolve any claim. Photos and videos are vital for proving damages. Take pictures from various angles inside and outside the house. If possible, take photos of items that were damaged and include receipts. If your home was flooded, make copies of these documents and keep one copy with your insurance company. You will need this information when you file your insurance claim. You should also write down the date and time of each conversation. You may also want to include a summary of what was discussed.
Getting Insurance
If you’ve recently suffered flood damage in your home, you need to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. It is important that you document the damage as much as possible with pictures. Your insurance company will then send out a claims adjuster to evaluate the damage. During the process, you should keep detailed records of all phone calls you make and any repairs you make. This will help you later when you file a claim.
If you have a standard homeowners insurance policy, you may be able to add sewer backup coverage to the policy. This coverage may cover the costs of cleaning up water that has backed up in a sewer. However, if you’ve had flooding in your home, you should purchase separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.
