No matter where you live, flooding is a threat because it occurs in every part of the world that receives rain. Densely populated areas and homes near water are highly susceptible to floods.
Not sure what to do if your house floods? There are various steps you should take to protect yourself and your home, and receive compensation for damages.
Keep reading to learn more.
Protect Yourself
First things first, it’s important to protect yourself if your house floods. The water floating around your home is not much different from the water you use in the sink.
It’s not the most sanitary and it’s unknown exactly what contents are in there. Floodwaters might contain harmful bacteria, fecal matter, and critters like snakes.
It’s best to wear masks, gloves, and waterproof shoes to protect your skin and health during a flood.
Your home might not be livable for days so consider booking a hotel room for the time being. Save your receipt because you might be able to claim the amount you paid on your insurance for reimbursement.
You can also move into the attic to avoid coming into contact with water. Keep battery-powered communication devices with you in case things go from bad to worse.
Secure Your Car
If the weather is starting to get bad, it’s important to secure your car in your garage so that it doesn’t get swept away on the street.
Take the time to secure your car to avoid potential damages to it during a flood. If flooding is common in your area, it’s best to ensure that your car insurance covers flood damage as well.
Document Flood Damage
Knowing what to do if your house floods is beneficial when you need to file an insurance claim. To improve your chances of receiving compensation, document the flood damage.
It’s tempting to start cleaning up right away, but take video footage and photographs of your home to document its condition.
The claims adjuster will need extensive documentation and investigation of the claim.
Make sure the home is safe to enter before documenting indoor flood damage.
Don’t Drink Tap Water
With all the cleanup work you need to do, you’ll definitely need to say hydrated. However, it’s essential to avoid drinking tap water from your home even after the floods have subsided.
If you end up drinking the water, you risk infection if the water is contaminated. The proper authorities can clarify whether or not your water is safe to drink and use again.
Remove the Water
Once you have your proof of damage, you can start removing the water.
If there is extensive damage to the home, it’s best to hire a restoration company to handle the flood cleanup. If there is gray or black water in the home, avoid coming into contact with it.
A restoration company will have the necessary equipment and expertise to safely clean the contaminated water. These professionals can help with flood prevention tips for the future as well.
Increase Airflow
It’s essential to increase the airflow in the flooded areas of the home after removing the water. This will help everything dry out to prevent mold growth and other humidity problems in the home.
Open windows, and doors, and use fans to circulate air throughout the damp areas.
Heaters and dehumidifiers may be helpful in removing moisture from the air to help dry things out. If you use a professional cleanup service, they will have machines that can dry out the air.
Be Aware of Electrical Components
When a home is flooded and the electricity is active, there is a chance of electrocution. Don’t turn on lights or touch items that use electricity unless you are sure that the power is off.
Turn the electrical breaker off before moving or unplugging appliances.
When dealing with flood damage in the home, safety always comes first.
Call Your Insurance Provider
If you have State Farm flood insurance, now is the time to call them to start working on a flood claim.
An insurance adjuster assigned to your claim can help put a dollar amount on your damages. They can confirm what is covered under your policy and ask for contractors that can repair the damage.
If you have to pay emergency expenses to control the flooding, keep receipts because these costs might be covered.
Prevent Water Emergencies in the Future
There are various causes of floods, some that you can prevent and others that you cannot.
After taking care of the water in your home and receiving compensation for damages, it’s important to prevent water emergencies in the future. To avoid potential disasters and costly restoration, take these precautionary measures:
- Keep an eye on the weather
- Check your water supply lines
- Test your sump pump
- Have an emergency water supply on-hand
Lastly, it’s important to know where your water shutoff valves are so that you can turn off the water when you need to.
What to Do if Your House Floods Explained
Understanding what to do if your house floods will help you receive compensation on an insurance claim and get your house in order as quickly as possible.
Safety should always come first so protect yourself from dirty waters before documenting flood damage. Once you have videos and photos, remove the water with the help of a restoration company.
Be aware of electrical components if you are cleaning up yourself. Lastly, call your insurance provider to start your claim.
For more articles on the home, check out the other posts on our blog.
