Flooding is a major issue for lots of residents in the United States. Water Damage Defense specifies that nearly 98% of basements in homes in the US are susceptible to flooding and will experience water damage throughout their life. And, house floods, no matter how minor, can be destructive and leave your home susceptible to further damage including mold development.
Whether the flooding is caused by heavy rain, sewage system back-up, or a damaged pipe, it is important to deal with a flood as quickly as possible to prevent additional water damage. Here are the very first things that you must do when confronted with house floods.
Prioritize your safety
Floodwater causes a lot of threats both to your security and health. The electricity that has come in contact with water can be lethal. Make sure to switch off the main breaker and all other specific fuses in your house prior to entering the floodwater. If the water is too high, call a licensed electrical contractor to inspect and examine your power box condition.
Do not forget to wear protective gear too, such as gloves, boots, and a mask. Since you do not know what pollutes the water; it is best to secure yourself against any hazardous chemicals. If you have kids in the house, make sure to warn them about consuming the foods that might have come in contact with water for an extended period. Transfer furnishings and other items that can still be salvaged to a dry and higher area.
Identify and stop the flood source
Once the main power supply is turned off, the next thing that you will must do is to find the reason for flooding and prevent more water from entering into the house. This will help prevent further water damage to your home. If the cause of a home flood is a leaking or broken pipe, shut off your home's primary water supply.
Document the damage
Prior to you start eliminating the floodwater to tidy up your house, take a video or images of whatever affected by the water. Documenting the damage done by the flooding is essential for your insurance coverage claims. Take pictures of the harmed products, the deformed wall and flooring, and other water damage in your home. Then keep a copy of every file that you have actually presented to your insurance representative.
Call your insurance provider
When all the necessary documents are ready, call your insurance coverage service provider and inform them about the event. Your insurer will then send out an adjuster to inspect the damage and examine the losses.
Consult with a trusted water damage expert
You may be tempted to do the water removal and cleaning procedure by yourself. However, time is of the essence when it comes to water damage. The earlier and more quickly you deal with the incident, the lower the resulting damage. The very best way to handle water damage brought on by house floods is by calling a trusted water restoration business.
The good thing about employing professional water remediation professionals is that they can also help you with your insurance claims. Contact Complete Interiors for all your emergency needs or if you need more details.
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