What to Do Once a Flood Happens
Posted on February 20, 2019
If a big storm or hurricane has led to flooding in your home or business, it can be devastating. Water can damage furniture, structures, and the areas surrounding your house. And once it starts, there’s not much that you can do before it levels out. Here are some things you can do once a flood happens.
Move Away From The Water
In the case of a hurricane, states will evacuate citizens if the forecast looks really bad. But if you choose to stay or if the flood is from a regular rainstorm, you’ll want to get as far away from the water as you can. Move anything valuable off of the floor and only live in the rooms with no water damage. This will keep from doing any further damage and will protect you from waterborne illnesses. You’ll want to boil any water used for cooking or for drinking, throw out any food that comes in contact with the floodwater, and wear protective boots and clothing if you need to wade into the water for any reason.
If You Can, Stop The Water
If the flooding is coming from your basement, for instance, and you see that your sump pump has stopped working, you’ll want to repair or replace it as soon as possible. Turn your water off if any pipes have been damaged. For your safety, wait until the storm has passed before trying to do any repairs.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Once you know you are safe, contact your insurance provider to let them know about any damage. If you need to hire a professional to remove any water or do repairs, it’s best to work with your insurance company so you don’t pay more out of pocket than necessary. You’ll also be able to find out who they work best with and compare prices.
Make Your Repairs
With approval from your insurance company, you can start turning things back to normal after the flood. If it’s only a little bit of water, you may be able to remove it yourself. But anything more than a puddle should be removed by a professional. A restoration company can come in and not only dry out your home, but they can remove anything damaged beyond repair, clean up floors and carpets, and give you tips on how to prepare for the next big storm.
If you have flood damage and are thinking of hiring a professional, call All Brite Professional Cleaning Services. We are available 24/7 for consultations, appointments, and emergency services. Contact us at 1-863-382-0042.