What To Do After Storm Damage And Flooding To Your Home

Natural disasters like floods and storms may cause significant damage to homes and structures. You must take quick action to minimize damage to your house, maintain safety, and start the healing process in the case of a major storm or flood. What you do immediately following a storm will save you money and allow you to get your life on track. This article details the steps you must take to recover from storm and flood damage.

1. Ensure Your Safety First

Safety is the number one concern for everyone after a severe storm or flood. Make sure you are safe before entering your home.

• Be patient and wait for official all-clear signals: Do not return to your house until local authorities say it is safe. After a major flood, the roads may become impassable, and electrical systems could also be affected.
• Don’t Stand In Standing Water: Standing water can contain dangerous debris or be contaminated. Only walk through the floodwaters when necessary.
• Protective Gear: If you need to enter the house, wear protective clothing. This includes rubber boots, gloves, a face mask, and other protective items.

2. Contact Your Insurance Company

As soon as you have ensured your safety, contact your insurance agent to report any damages. It is important to call your insurance company immediately after the damage has occurred, as this will help expedite their claims process.

• Document the Damage: Take pictures and videos before you begin any repairs. Take pictures of every damaged area, including the furniture, flooring, and appliances, as well as any structural damage. This documentation will prove useful for filing insurance claims.
• Submit a Claim Quickly: Notify your insurer to get the claim process started.

3. Start The Cleanup Process

Begin the cleanup after you’ve notified the insurance company of the damages. A prompt cleanup will help minimize the damage and stop the growth of mildew or mold.

• How to Remove Standing Water: You can use a sump, wet/dry, or buckets to remove standing water. If you cannot safely remove the standing water or it is deep, a flood restoration service can assist.
• Ventilate the Area: Open doors and windows to let air circulate. Install fans or dehumidifiers to dry out the affected areas quickly. If there is any standing water, use caution with electrical appliances. Professional restoration firms often use specialized equipment to dry the home quickly and effectively.
• Remove Any Damaged Items: Take any damaged items, such as furniture, carpets, and personal items. Keep the items out of harm’s way in a secure, dry area until they can be properly disposed of or assessed by professionals.

4. Assess The Structural Damage

After initial cleaning, assess structural damage. Check your walls, ceilings, floors, and foundation for signs of cracks, warping, or water intrusion. You must act fast if you suspect structural damage.

• Inspect For Mold: Water can lead to mold growth that can start in as little as 24 hours. Look for signs of mold and mildew. This is especially important in dark, moist areas like basements.
• Check for Plumbing and Electrical Damage: If flooding has damaged your plumbing system, it is important to look for leaks and obstructions.

5. Contact A Flood Damage Restoration Company

Even though you can begin the cleanup yourself, hiring a flooding damage restoration specialist is necessary for a full recovery from storm and flood damage. These professionals have all the equipment, training, and experience needed to repair water damage.

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• Water extraction: A flood damage company provides water extraction to safely and quickly remove large amounts of moisture.
• Advanced Drying Technology: Professionals rely on industrial-grade equipment, such as fans and dehumidifiers. They use this to dry the home thoroughly and to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. They know how to target hidden humidity and dry your home more quickly than with traditional methods.
• Damage Repair: Once your house is dry, restoration experts can help repair the structure’s damage and restore everything to its original condition.

Conclusion

Acting quickly after storms and floods can minimize your home’s long-term damage. To prevent further damage, it is essential to take every step possible. This includes contacting your insurer and starting the cleaning process. The full recovery of the damage requires a thorough cleaning. Your home can be restored to its former condition by a professional restoration company. The right approach can help you overcome water damage challenges and protect your house in the future.