Flooding, whether from natural disasters or broken pipes, is a devastating and costly problem. Property damage and the loss of precious belongings take a serious financial and emotional toll.
When the water recedes and you return home, there’s a lot that must be done to protect your family and repair the building. In this guide, we’ll discuss what you must prepare for flood water infiltrates your home.
Tips When You Return to a Flooded Home
Floods aren’t just water. They often contain raw sewage, debris, pesticides, and other dangers. This is especially true if the floodwater is from a storm or overflowing rivers, but this can also be true if it’s because of a burst pipe. They also increase the risk of electrocution and injury.
All flood waters may contain health risks, so assume any water you come into contact with is contaminated. Always wear protective equipment when moving into flooded areas to avoid getting seriously sick.
Check for Structural Damage
Your first concern when entering a building after a natural disaster should be the risk of collapse. Before you return home, have a professional assess the structure to ensure it’s safe for you to enter.
If there’s any doubt about your safety, leave the repairs to professionals like PacWest Restoration. We will monitor the situation and perform stabilizing measures to ensure the safety of everyone working in the area.
Beware of Gas Leaks and Live Wires
During a flood, gas mains may be broken, and electrical systems may be damaged. Contact the gas company to have the gas shut off to the building before you enter. Do not light candles or use any flammable substances while inside the building, as gas may have leaked into the building and can ignire. Open as many doors and windows as possible to disperse carbon monoxide. You may also want to use a carbon monoxide detector to ensure levels are safe.
Even if there are power outages in the area, the electricity may come back at any time, and you may risk electrocution if the electrical system has been damaged. Shut off all the circuit breakers, and protect yourself by wearing rubber-soled shoes and rubber gloves just in case a wire is still live.
Watch Out for Pests and Rodents
Rodents and other pests will be attracted to a flooded home because of the water, as well as any damaged food that may have drifted into the area. Their excretions can spread disease and cause further health problems, so check the area for pests and set out traps if necessary.
Flood Insurance Tips
If you live in a flood-prone area, you should have flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It may be an add-on to your typical homeowner’s insurance, or you may purchase it separately. Normal homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damage because it’s one of the most common forms of water damage.
Start the Claims Process
You should call your insurance agent as soon as possible to start the claims process. If you’re not sure who your insurance agent is, you can call NFIP directly at 877-336-2627. Have your policy number, name, and address on hand, as they’ll need this to open up a claim.
If there has been a Presidential Disaster Declaration, you can also get additional financial assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. You can visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 to see if you’re eligible for emergency aid.
Work With an Insurance Adjuster
You will be assigned an insurance adjuster who estimates the damage and determines how much the insurance company will pay. They will show you their identification and talk about the claims process in further detail. Typically, they’ll leave you with a Claims Handbook and all the documentation they have filled out.
The adjuster will take a look at all the damaged areas and create documentation, including measurements, photos, and videos. They will then tell you whether you’re eligible for any advance money to take care of your current needs and explain your policy limits, including what the policy will cover.
Once they have completed their assessment, the adjuster submits a recommendation to the insurer of how much should be covered in accordance with your policy and the scope of the damage.
Document the Damage
While the insurance adjuster will document the flood damage for your insurer, you will also want to document the property damage to recover compensation for smaller items. Take pictures and videos of the entire exterior and in every room, including inside closets and cabinets. Record serial numbers for appliances and electronics, and gather receipts if possible. You may also want to take samples of carpets, wallpapers, window treatments, and upholstery.
Flood Damage Assessment and Cleanup Tips
Flood assessment and cleanup are the most dangerous parts of the process, as they involve contaminated materials that could cause serious health problems. As such, it’s often best to hire a contractor trained to successfully clear these hazards.
Remove Debris and Dirt
First, suck out all of the water using a shop vac or buckets before you start to clear the rest of the debris. Bag up wet materials, such as clothing, furniture, or debris washed in from outside, and place them in heavy trash bags to be disposed of.
Next, use a shovel to remove silt, sand, or mud that may have washed in. You may need to use a hose or pressure washer to spray it out. Cut drywall and insulation out to be removed. After that, you will need to use strong disinfectants to mop the floors and walls. Use hot water, ammonia-free detergent, and a disinfectant. As it’s better to be safe than sorry, you should wash each surface at least twice to ensure you’ve gotten all of the biological contaminants.
Throw Out Contaminated Food
Mold growth and bacteria are major concerns when it comes to food that has suffered flood damage. It can cause food poisoning and make you seriously ill. Throw out anything that came into contact with water, even if it appears to be sealed and safe. You should use packaged drinking water that was not stored in the home while you’re busy with cleanup.
Have Professionals Check Your Electrical Equipment and Heating System
Any electrical equipment that was in the wet areas may be damaged, so you must have an electrician come to check out your electrical and heating systems. This is especially true in the basement, which typically holds the furnace, water heater, and other electrical essentials. Don’t ever turn the power on unless a qualified electrician has thoroughly investigated.
Dry Out Your Home
Next is the drying process. Open as many windows as possible to get air circulating, and set up air movers, which can be rented from a home improvement store. When surfaces are visibly dry, install dehumidifiers to draw moisture from the air.
It’s often not possible to completely dry the building without professional-grade drying equipment, which is why a contractor can be so helpful — they have technology that’s not available to consumers. Some materials, such as insulation and drywall, can never be dried and will have to be replaced.
Hire a Professional Flood Remediation Company
Flooded property is very complicated to repair, especially as there may be hidden structural damage that could cause serious risks to you and your family. Any time that your home suffers a flood disaster, whether due to a severe storm or a broken pipe, you should contact a professional water damage restoration company for repairs.
PacWest Restoration is the most well-respected flood damage restoration company in the greater Portland area. We can prevent mold growth, monitor moisture levels, prevent the spread of disease, and help you recover as much personal property as possible. You can call us 24/7 at 503-746-6545 or use our contact form for immediate service after a flood.
