If you’ve recently had a home flood, you’re probably wondering what to do. It’s a stressful situation and you’re probably not entirely sure how to approach the situation. Consider these helpful dos and don’ts if you’ve experienced a home flood so you know how to handle this type of emergency.
Do Stop the Water Source
One of the first things you should do is try to stop the source of the flood. Whether it’s a burst pipe or a leak in one of your windows, stopping the water flow will prevent further damage. You may be able to stop the leak by shutting off your water system or by sealing up the leak with something like duct tape. Even if it’s only a temporary solution, stopping the water may give you enough time to call in an expert who can provide a more permanent fix.
Don’t Enter the Water
It’s important that you don’t enter the flood water unless your electricity is off. When your electricity is on, it can electrify the standing water, which presents a major hazard. If you can shut off the electricity without entering the water, you should do so. If you do enter the water after your electricity is off, take steps to protect yourself, such as wearing sturdy shoes, as you don’t know what may have landed on the floor during the flood. Otherwise, avoid stepping in the water until a professional addresses the situation.
Do Take Pictures
To document the damages for insurance purposes, it’s important to take pictures. Use the camera on your phone or another camera to take pictures of any damage caused by the flood. Also, take pictures of what caused the flood if possible. By taking pictures, you can begin the cleanup sooner without having to wait for an insurance representative to document the damage.
Don’t Wait To Clean Up
As soon as you’re able, start the water damage restoration process from the flood. This includes removing the water, drying out the area, and removing anything that’s beyond salvaging. Try setting up some fans to move the air around in the affected area to dry it out faster. If you have a lot of water, you may need a pump to transfer all the water outdoors and away from your home. The longer you wait to start cleaning up, the more likely it is that you’ll develop mold in the area, which can cause additional problems.
Do Protect Against Future Floods
Finally, take steps to protect against future floods. Analyze what caused this flood and see if there’s anything you can do to prevent it from happening again. For example, if water seeped up through your basement floor, you may need to install a sump pump to remove water from underneath your home. If water came in from your windows, you may want to explore replacing those windows. By taking steps to prevent floods now, you can save yourself time, money, and stress in the future.
If you have a home flood in Virginia, Steamatic is here to help. We’re experts when it comes to mold remediation and water damage restoration. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.
