When a natural disaster such as a flood occurs, you know it will be awhile before it all settles down. When you want your home to look as normal and untouched as possible, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals!
How to prepare for Flood Damage
Flooding is a natural disaster that can strike any town or city in the United States. Whether you live in an area prone to flooding or not, it is important to be prepared for potential floods. Here are some tips on how to prepare for and deal with flooding:
- know your community’s flood risks- if you live in an area that is susceptible to flooding, learn as much as you can about the risks involved. Knowing the specifics about your community will help you make informed decisions about what to do in the event of a flood.
- have an emergency plan- create a family emergency plan, have evacuation plans for yourself and your pets, and have an emergency contact list ready in case of an emergency. Create a plan that suits your specific needs and makes sense for your community.
- keep an updated inventory of property- including items like cars and appliances- know where everything is and make sure it is safe and inaccessible if a flood hits. This will help speed up the process of assessing damage after a flood has occurred.
- register with FEMA- if you are in an area that is at risk for major flooding, registering with FEMA will help ensure that government resources are available should
What NOT to do in Floods
If you find yourself in a flood situation, here are some things to avoid doing:
-Do not drive your car into or through a flooded area. If your vehicle is submerged in water, it could be dangerous to try to free it.
-Do not attempt to remove any objects from a flooded area that are too heavy or difficult to carry. If you cannot reach an object, leave it where it is and wait for help.
-Do not touch or move any live wires or power lines. If you are touching them, stay clear! Floodwaters may contain electrical currents that can injure you.
-Do not take photos or videos of the flooding without first getting the owner’s permission. This can disrupt emergency response efforts and cause further damage to property.
Don’t delay Do your Insurance Claims First
Flooding is a common occurrence during heavy rainstorms, but it can also happen due to large storm drains overflowing or broken water mains. If you experience flooding in your home, the best thing to do is contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Here are some tips on how to deal with flood damage restorationas soon as possible:
- Don’t delay in calling your insurance company. Flooding can cause extensive damage, and if you don’t file a claim quickly, you could lose out on potential benefits.
- Clean up any damaged property as soon as possible. Remove any furniture or objects that may have been displaced by the flooding and clean up any messes that were made. This will help speed up the restoration process and ensure that your home looks as good as new when your insurer arrives.
- Get an estimate for the cost of repair from a qualified contractor. Many insurers will require that you get an estimate from a contractor before they will reimburse you for damage caused by flooding. This will help ensure that you are getting the best value for your money and that the repairs will be done properly.
- Make copies of important documents, such as insurance policies, identification cards, and
When is the right time to hire a contractor?
It’s important to remember that timing is key when it comes to hiring a contractor for best flood damage restoration. If the damage is minor, you may be able to handle the repairs yourself. However, if the damage is more significant, you will need to hire a contractor as soon as possible. Here are some factors to consider when deciding when to hire a contractor:
-How extensive is the damage?
-Is it safe for you or your crew to work on the property?
-Will the contractor be able to start working immediately?
-What are the costs involved?
-How long will it take for the contractor to complete the repairs?
-Will the contractor be available in the future if additional damage occurs?
If you have questions about when to hire a contractor or any other related issues, reach out to your insurance company or local building inspector. They can help guide you in making the best decision for your specific situation.
The Importance of Water Damage Restoration
Flooding can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. If you are in the midst of a flood, take immediate steps to protect yourself and your property. Here are some tips on how to deal with water damage restoration as soon as possible:
- Activate your emergency response plan. If you have a flood warning or evacuation order in effect, follow the instructions specified. If there is no warning or evacuation order in effect, do what you can to prepare for potential flooding by stocking up on food and supplies, installing an alarm system, and clearing any debris from vulnerable areas.
- Clear any water-logged furniture and appliances from the area. Wet items will not only cause damage during the cleanup process, but they may also contain mold and bacteria that can make you sick.
- Move any valuables out of the way. High-value items can be damaged or destroyed if they’re submerged in water for an extended period of time. Consider packing them in boxes or wrapping them in waterproof material if necessary.
- Turn off electrical switches and circuits that are not needed. Not only does turning off unnecessary circuits reduce the chances of accidents.