Whether a flood is caused by rain, groundwater, or a malfunction in your home’s water system, there are a few advised measures you should follow in the first 24 hours following the flood to ensure the protection of your home and family and the best conclusion possible with your insurance company.
Avoid Taking Additional Risks
If the water was bad enough to cause you to evacuate, make a safe return. Before entering the home, inspect for obvious structural deterioration such as warping, loose or broken foundation components, fissures, and holes. Contact the appropriate utility company if you suspect that water, gas, electric, or sewer lines have been damaged.
Take Photographs
Take photos or videos to properly document the damage for your insurer before removing any water or performing any repairs. Digital copies are preferred since they can be easily stored and replicated electronically. If you begin removing water or making repairs without first photographing the damage, he says, you risk reducing the scope of your coverage. That is why it is advised to engage the services of firms such as PuroClean restoration services, which are knowledgeable with the insurance claim process.
Take Care of Your Health
Even though the water in your home is pure, it could have been contaminated by sewage or household pollutants. Waders and waterproof boots to the hip or waist are highly recommended. Additionally, put on rubber gloves to remove water-damaged belongings and avoid contamination. Food that has been in contact with floodwaters should be discarded.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Because you should contact your insurer immediately following a flood, save the phone numbers for your insurance company and local agent in your always-prepared emergency pack. If a region or neighborhood has been flooded, your agent may be distracted by his or her flood-related problems. Contact the insurance company’s main office in that case.
Because groundwater flood damage is frequently not covered by ordinary homeowners insurance policies, you will need to work along with your insurer to determine the source of the flood and the breadth of your coverage.
Determine if You Are in a Disaster Zone
When government officials designate a location as a “disaster area,” property owners gain access to additional resources, including public services, to safeguard and rehabilitate the region. Additionally, financial aid may be available. And if there are unfortunate deaths in the property, visit this page.
Remove Water
Once your insurer has given you permission to remove the water, utilize a sump pump. Bear in mind that water is heavy, weighing 10 pounds per cubic foot, so take care not to injure yourself, especially if you’re hauling buckets of water up and down the stairs. Allow for fresh air circulation by opening doors and windows, as long as extra water does not enter.
Reduce Mold Damage
Mold can begin to grow 24 to 48 hours after a flood, so remove any moisture contents, particularly carpets and beds, immediately. If an object has been wet for less than 48 hours, it is possible to salvage it. However, you must determine whether its monetary or sentimental value is sufficient to justify the effort. Additionally, notify your insurance carrier prior to removing anything to verify that your coverage remains intact. Always document anything that has been flooded.
If you can’t perform all these tasks, you can always call the best company for water damage restoration San Antonio has to offer.
Conclusion
Floods and flash floods are a hazard in all 50 states. They are the most common and pervasive natural disasters, second only to fire; hence, education and planning are crucial to minimizing losses.
