Homeowner’s guide to restoring flood-damaged property
As a homeowner, one of the most destructive and destructive things you will encounter is a flood. Whether it’s flooding, broken pipes, weathered sewerage, roof damage from a severe storm, or leaking toilets when you’re on the go, it can all cause serious damage to your home. the water in your home. There are. Whatever the reason, it’s important to have a plan of action and know what to do if your home is flooded. Acting quickly can dramatically improve your ability to reduce maintenance costs. The following actions should be taken after being injured: This helps reduce the degree of subsequent damage and makes cleaning and repairing easier.
Avoid additional risks
If the flooding is severe and you need to evacuate your home, make sure you and your family are safe when you get home. Agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommend that you check the following returned items to determine whether your home is safe or not.
- Visible structural damage
- Base deformation
- Basic elements of loose golden cracks
- Foundation holes
When you get home, it’s a good idea to turn off all water and electricity in the house. Even if the current does not work, go to the fuse box and turn off the main fuse and all individual fuses. This eliminates the risk of water accumulation or damage to the outlet after a power cycle. If you suspect serious damage to the water, gas, electricity, or sewer lines, contact your electric company immediately.
Whether you are inundated with flooding or flooding caused by a leaky toilet, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible. It’s a good idea to store your phone number on your phone if you don’t want to grab your contact information when you’re under stress. Remember the time! In situations where flooding has a widespread impact, agents may have to deal with multiple owners (or their owners). If you have difficulty reaching your agent, please contact your insurance company headquarters.
After making contact with your insurance agent, the first thing you need to do is disclose the condition of your home. Note the conversation carefully and follow the instructions on whether to wait for an appraiser to inspect the item before proceeding with the repair. Always record new damage that will require multiple conversations, as it is more likely to be discovered.
Stop and remove water (get approval if possible)
When a flood collects water in your home, it decreases over time. However, if a pipeline ruptures or if flooding occurs in the lowlands, the water must be removed manually. Make sure you get consent from your insurance company or a flood expert before doing anything. The conditions required to effectively remove water after completion are:
- Sewage pumps (ranging from $ 100 to $ 500)
- Wet vacuums (ranging from $ 40 to $ 130)
When removing the water transferred from a wet vacuum, be careful of heavy water. The formula to remember is that 1 cubic foot equals 10 pounds. When moving water, be careful not to injure yourself with a wet vacuum cleaner or heavy bucket. Finally, after removing the water, make sure all doors and windows are open to allow fresh air to circulate.
Take photos of any water-damaged property
Before removing any water-damaged item, whether or not you have insurance, take photos and videos to fully document the damage. Digital photos are great because they are easy to transfer and can be quickly sent to an insurance agent or maintenance professional. The last thing you want to do (which can be tricky if you want to get out soaked furniture to control mold growth) is start watering or repairing before any damage is done. . If you have insurance or hire a professional service, this can cause issues with your coverage or create additional issues with the repair process.
Manage your health
Even if the clearest water in your home gets in it, it can be contaminated with things you don’t want to encounter. Before storing items in a flooded home, you should prepare the following items before jumping into the water to damage your home:
- Weider
- Waterproof boots (hip or high waist)
- Rubber gloves (remove damage / contaminate with water)
Finally, be sure to throw out any food and drink that came in contact with the flood. In severe flooding from rain, as recommended by FEMA, water is boiled until authorities declare the water supply safe.
Reduce fungal damage
It only takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to develop on flooded furniture. Therefore, it is very important to remove damp items such as bedding and rugs as soon as possible. Some experts suggest that items can be retrieved if they are wet for less than 48 hours. However, it depends on whether you think the item has enough emotional or monetary value to store. Remember to take all photos as you examine and think about what items to store or dispose of.
Can Mold Growth Be Inhibited After A Flood?
Using the right cleaning formula can control mold growth on some surfaces. Use a non-ammonia or pine oil cleaner to properly clean surfaces and prevent the spread of mold, and use a 10% bleach solution for disinfection. Always test this solution on a small area of the item or area to be cleaned to make sure it does not cause dirt or discoloration.
Do not mix ammonia-based products with bleach products as the vapors produced can be very toxic.
Do I need to hire a mold specialist?
When it comes to mold and your home, you may want to hire a mold repair expert to give you peace of mind. If the mold can show signs of growth, hiring a professional is your best bet. If you need a professional to help get your home back to normal, you should start with a flood repair service. When looking for the right company to help repair water damage and prevent mold growth, look for companies certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration.
Protect your property after a flood
If you recommend leaving a home that has been damaged for maintenance or safety reasons, remember to make sure the home is safe. You are responsible for protecting your property to prevent further damage or anyone trying to take advantage of a recent series of unfortunate events. Protective activities such as putting wood planks over broken windows or covering a leaking roof with waterproofing foil will help keep the elements out and reduce the risk of further damage. Again, remember to record everything you have done and report the action to the insurance company or maintenance company helping you.
Some degree of water damage can put a strain on you and your family. This is why Flood Damage Repair San Diego experts are there to help you every step of the way. Contact us immediately if you need help getting your home back to its original condition!
