WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I SHOULD DO AFTER A FLOOD?

There are several things you should do after a flood. The most important is preventing any further damage. You don’t want to do anything that is going to make the situation worse or result in a more extensive cleanup process.

The best way to make sure your situation doesn’t get any worse is to contact a professional water damage restoration company. This way you’ll have professional support with the cleanup right from the very beginning.

The first 24 hours after a flood are important. How things are dealt with during this crucial time affects everything about the long-term damage and health of your home. Immediately calling on professional water damage and restoration experts can save you a great deal of time, money, and headaches.

What steps should be taken after a flood to prevent further damage and return things to normal as quickly as possible?

Prevent Additional Risk

The most important concern after a flood is the health and safety of you and your loved ones. If you were forced to evacuate your home because of a flood, you need to make sure it’s safe before you return. It’s also important to check for structural damage of the property and make sure there are no risks from gas, electric, or sewer lines before entering the building.

It’s also important to make sure you are safe from contaminated water. If you need to enter a flooded area, wear waterproof boots and do not let the water touch your bare skin.

Considering the chaos that follows a flood, it’s a good idea to seek professional assistance to ensure it is safe to re-enter your home and begin the cleanup process.

Take Photographs

Next, you’ll want to take pictures of the damage. This needs to be done before you remove any water or make repairs, but should not put any people or property at risk for greater damage.

Once an area is safe, take photos of the areas affected and make sure they are stored safely. You’ll eventually need to share the photos with your insurance company and if you apply for any kind of aid.

Contact Your Insurance Company

You’ll need to notify your homeowners’ insurance company as soon as possible after a flood. It’s common for agents to be busy when there is a flooding event that affects a region, so be patient if you’re dealing with a storm or other widespread event. You might need to contact the company directly, as opposed to your specific agent if he or she lives in the area and is also affected by flooding.

Keep in mind, only certain types of flooding and water damage are covered by standard homeowners’ insurance. You’ll need to work with your insurer to determine the cause of the flood and the extent of your coverage. Make sure you document all information you receive from emergency responders, water restoration professionals, insurance representatives, and others involved in the aftermath of the flood.

Also keep in mind that if government officials declare a disaster, it provides you access to increased resources and financial assistance.

Water Removal Process

The next step is the water removal process. Working with a professional water damage restoration company is the best way to ensure this phase runs smoothly. Professionals also have access to equipment that makes cleanup easier and faster.

Mitigate Mold Damage

One of the biggest concerns after water damage is mold growth. This is another reason it’s so important to contact water damage restoration specialists after a flood because they’ll do what’s needed to prevent mold from developing.

The hours, days, and weeks following a flood are a crucial time when it comes to preventing long-term damage. If you need to speak to someone about flood damage or you have a flooding emergency and need immediate service, contact Rapid Dry Restoration at 303.710.8423.