This post-flood guide covers safety precautions, removing standing water, home cleaning, and repairs.
Getty Images / jhorrocks
Experiencing a flood is one of the most devastating events for homeowners.
Just one inch of water can cause $25,000 of damage.
Credit:Getty Images / jhorrocks
Whatever the cause, the arduous cleaning process should begin as soon as possible after the incident.
In an ideal situation, youll have access to a professional crew to handle the cleanup.
Here are steps experts say you should take to get things cleaned up quickly and safely.
Safety Before Entering Your Home
Remember that water and electricity dont mix.
Look for downed power lines in or near your home.
Can you smell gas or detect a possible gas leak?
If so, depart immediately and ping the utility company or local authorities, Chapman-Henderson says.
Use a battery-powered flashlight to inspect your home.
Turn on the flashlight before entering.
Never use candles or lighters.
To do this, Uribe recommends using a pump.
At this point, take a hard look at your belongings.
Do this by opening windows in your home and turning on all overhead fans.
If you have standing fans, direct these to the wettest spots in your home.
This is the time to use cleaners to remove harmful bacteria from the home.
bleach with 1 gallon of room-temperature water.
Never mix bleach with other chemicals.
It can cause a dangerous chemical reaction.
The best method for cleaning up mold contamination on the surface of a material is to use vinegar.
This approach breaks down the cellular nature of the mold spore and prevents it from growing and spreading.
Professionals have access to the right antimicrobial agents that will best remediate mold, Uribe says.
Begin Repairs
Next comes the serious work of demolition and repairs.
In many cases, youll need toremove drywalland baseboard trim compromised by water intrusion.
Chapman-Henderson says floods can affect all aspects of your home, and repairs can be extensive.
The most common jot down of damage is to flooring and drywall.
Your homes electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems can also be affected.
Have these systems checked, including ductwork, to rule out mold and debris buildup, Chapman-Henderson adds.
Its possible to live in your home while these repairs are being made, but Uribe doesnt recommend it.
At best, its a stressful prospect; at worst, it can be dangerous to your health.
When to Call the Pros
Consider recruiting help during a major flood incident.
Pros often handle the immediate aftermath of these emergencies better than you and your family can.
Demolition must be done properly to prevent cross-contamination, and mold isnt killed by bleach in the slightest.
Attempts like these make an insurance claim more difficult.
Consider calling a professional immediately after removing water from your home to avoid problems with claims down the line.
Uribe suggests restoration experts rather than plumbers, who fix leaks but arent trained in cleanups.
If this is the case, its important to contact your insurance provider immediately, Uribe says.
Document everything that has happened and take notes on the entire flooding event.
The more documentation you have, the more likely your claim will be taken care of.
What About Flood Insurance?
Dont have flood insurance?
Theres nothing you’ve got the option to do after an incident except toprepare for the next one.
