Practical Steps To Prevent Water Damage From Floods

Flooding in your home can occur due to unexpected circumstances, such as severe weather or internal problems, such as plumbing breakdowns. Which also seem to happen a little extra in the dead of winter/ Experiencing flooding as a homeowner can be frustrating and worrying. Not only do you encounter expensive damages, but you also put your family in danger and risk losing or missing out on your long-term investment. The good news is that if you act quickly, you can often prevent the majority of potential damage.

Prioritize safety

The most important thing to remember during any disaster is to stay safe. Where the water levels in your flooded home seem to be high and unsafe, it is a good idea to vacate the premises. Once the water has been removed, you should still prioritize safety. Be sure to shut off the electricity to prevent putting yourself in further danger. You should also wear safety gear such as rubber boots and gloves when rummaging through the house.  

It is vital to safeguard oneself from potentially toxic chemicals or materials that the floodwaters may have washed in. Always avoid eating food that has been polluted by floodwaters or been exposed to floodwater for a lengthy period. If the water level reaches your refrigerator or pantry cabinets, it's best to toss the food and start again. Before using any plates, glasses, or flatware that may have been trapped in the home flood, properly wash them first.

Impede The water source 

Stopping the source of water flowing in is the next vital step to take if your home is flooded. If your sump pump is faulty or malfunctioning, it should be replaced to keep up with any ongoing rains and to avoid further damage to other parts of your home. You should also consider contacting city officials to unclog storm drains to prevent flooding. By making efforts to stop the source of water, you reduce your chances of damage.

Get rid of the water

When your home is flooded, you would need to get rid of the water. You can do so by placing buckets and bins in strategic areas. You can also try scooping your water out and draining items such as carpets and rugs that the excessive water may have drenched. To ease the stress and ensure that all the water is taken out, you can hire the services of a restoration company to help you clean up your home.

Repairs 

The truth is, the floods would have caused a significant amount of damage. Your widows, roofing, windows, and doors may need some repair. It is essential to have these components fixed immediately to avoid security vulnerabilities and causing injuries. Hiring reliable experts would ensure these repairs are made swiftly and accurately. If your home is insured (as it should be), you can make claims to gain coverage on your repairs to help you save some money. 

Get in touch with home insurance

Depending on your policy, your insurance may cover the flooding caused by storms, backed-up city sewers, storm drains, faulty sump pumps, or burst pipes. Therefore, it is vital to be sure of this before you call to make a claim. If your claim is valid, an adjuster will be sent to inspect and assess the reported damage. If your flooding results from a major weather disaster, your insurance provider may not be able to send an adjuster right away. Therefore, be sure to document the damage by taking pictures and videos. This will aid the adjuster in assessing the damage.