Whether just a small amount or a serious flood, water damage in your home can be devastating and you will want to deal with the problem at the earliest possible opportunity rather than leaving it to fester. When it first occurs, it can feel somewhat overwhelming, which is why the following guide details a few of the main steps that you can take to get everything back on track at home once again.
Get In Contact With Your Insurance Company
The type of coverage that you can expect to receive obviously all depends on what insurance package you took out. You need to make sure that you file your claim at the earliest possible opportunity and take a step-by-step approach that is meticulous. You don’t want to risk the insurance company claiming that you have not taken the necessary action in an appropriate timeframe. Take plenty of photos and document all the items around the home that have been lost and/or damaged.
Stay Safe
While you will want to inspect your home thoroughly, you also need to ensure that you stay safe when doing so. You will need to shut off all power around the home as water and electricity can obviously be a highly dangerous combo. Proper protective gear should also be worn including rubber boots and gloves. As for any valuables that can be moved out of the house or to a higher level, you should do this at the earliest possible opportunity.
Start Water Cleanup Straight Away
You will not want to delay when you are cleaning water from your home, so get to work at the earliest possible opportunity. In many cases, you will not be able to take care of everything all by yourself – even if this is with the help of your friends and family members. In these situations, you will need to get in touch with a professional restoration service to take care of a lot of the heavy lifting for you. There are all sorts of complex tasks that are likely to be required such as removing flooring and insulation to cut back on the possible spread of mold and mildew.
Dry Your Home Out
Your home is going to require time to dry out after it has been soaked so thoroughly. You may not be able to have your electricity back on again, but if you can, floor fans and dehumidifiers can prove to be invaluable. Studies have shown that these initial 24 hours are invaluable as this will reduce the risk of mold and mildew developing.
Double Check For Mold
Mold can be a pervasive issue after your home has become flooded, so you should be especially vigilant in checking that it is not developing.
If your home should become water damaged, it is important that you get to work putting everything right again as soon as you possibly can. Every minute is valuable, so don’t delay in putting things right.
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