My House Flooded: 4 Steps To Take After a House Flood

Flooding is a devastating natural disaster that can cause significant damage to homes and properties. Recovering from a flood involves a complex process that requires time, patience, and professional expertise. 

In this blog, we will cover various aspects of flood restoration, including the steps involved in restoring a home after a flood, hiring professionals, and taking preventative measures to reduce the risk of future floods. 

Keep reading to learn more. 

4 Steps to Take 

1. Assess the situation. To assess the situation after your house has flooded, you must ensure safety, turn off power and gas, etc.

• Ensure your safety: The first and foremost priority is to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones. If the floodwater is still present or there is a risk of structural damage, avoid entering the affected areas until professionals declare it safe.
• Turn off electricity and gas supply: Floodwater and electrical appliances or outlets do not mix well. Find the main electrical panel and switch off the power. If you suspect gas leaks, turn off the gas supply as well. Call a professional electrician or gas company to inspect and restore the services once it is safe.
• Document the damage: It’s crucial to document the extent of the damage for insurance purposes. Take photos or videos of each affected area, noting the water levels and any visible damage to belongings or structures. This documentation will help support your insurance claim.
• Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance company about the flood as soon as possible. Locate your insurance policy information, and call your insurance agent to report the incident. Provide them with detailed information about the damage, and ask for any specific instructions or forms that need to be filled out.

Remember, assessing the situation after a house flood requires caution and professional expertise. By following these steps, you’ll be on the right path toward recovering from the flood and repairing your home.

2. Cleanup and restoration. After a house flood, the cleanup and restoration process involves several steps to ensure your home is properly cleaned, dried, and restored. Here is an overview of how the process typically works:

• Remove standing water: The first step is to remove any standing water from your house. This can be done using pumps, wet vacuums, or water extraction equipment. Removing the water as quickly as possible is essential to prevent further damage and mold and bacteria growth.
• Dry out soaked belongings and furniture: Once the water has been removed, the next step is to dry out any soaked belongings and furniture. This may involve using industrial fans, dehumidifiers, and specialized drying equipment. Proper drying is essential to reduce the risk of mold growth and salvage as many items as possible.
• Clean and disinfect affected areas: After the house and belongings have been dried, it’s important to clean and disinfect the affected areas. This involves thorough cleaning of floors, walls, and surfaces using appropriate cleaning agents. Disinfection helps eliminate any lingering bacteria, mold spores, or contaminants left behind by the floodwater.
• Set up dehumidifiers: To prevent mold growth and ensure that the moisture levels are properly regulated, it’s crucial to set up dehumidifiers throughout the affected areas. Dehumidifiers help remove excess moisture from the air, reducing the chances of mold growth and creating a safer environment.
• Dispose of damaged items: Unfortunately, some items may be beyond repair or heavily damaged by the flood. It’s important to properly dispose of these items in accordance with local regulations. This may involve separating different types of waste, such as water-damaged furniture, carpets, or appliances.

Throughout the process, it’s crucial to document the damage, keep track of expenses, and communicate with your insurance company to ensure proper coverage. Hiring professionals experienced in water damage restoration can significantly streamline and expedite the cleanup and restoration process, helping you get back to a normal, safe living environment as soon as possible.

3. Hire professionals if necessary. Hiring professionals for flood restoration is highly recommended for several important reasons:

• Expertise and Experience: Professionals in flood restoration have the expertise and experience to handle the complex and challenging tasks involved in restoring a home after a flood. They are trained in the best techniques, equipment, and methods to effectively mitigate damage and return your home to its pre-flood condition.
• Quick Response and Efficient Restoration: Time is of the essence when dealing with flood damage. Professionals understand the urgency and can respond quickly to begin the restoration process promptly. They have the necessary equipment and manpower to work efficiently and effectively, ensuring a faster restoration process and minimizing further damage.
• Proper Assessment and Documentation: Professionals have the knowledge to accurately assess the extent of the damage caused by the flood. This includes identifying areas prone to hidden water damage or structural issues. They can provide a detailed report and documentation that insurance companies may require for smooth and fair claims processing.
• Safety Measures: Flood restoration involves working with water, electrical systems, and potentially hazardous materials. Professionals are well-versed in safety protocols to ensure the safety of themselves and homeowners. They have the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and understand the proper precautions to take during restoration.
• Mold Prevention and Remediation: Mold growth is one of the most significant risks after a flood. Professionals have the knowledge and equipment to properly dry out the affected areas, taking measures to prevent mold growth. If mold is already present, they can effectively remediate the affected areas, ensuring a safe and mold-free environment.
• Comprehensive Restoration Services: Flood restoration goes beyond just drying out the home. Professionals can provide comprehensive restoration services, including repairs to structural damage, replacement of flooring and drywall, electrical and plumbing repairs, and other necessary repairs to restore your home back to its pre-flood condition.
• Assistance With Insurance Claims: Dealing with insurance companies can be complicated. Professionals in flood restoration can help navigate the claims process and work directly with your insurance company to provide the necessary documentation and evidence for a smoother and more favorable claims experience.

Hiring professionals for flood restoration ensures a thorough and efficient restoration process, maximizes the chances of salvaging your belongings, and minimizes the risk of potential long-term damage, such as mold growth. Their expertise, experience, and resources greatly contribute to the successful restoration of your home after a flood.

4. Take preventative measures for the future. Preventive measures are essential to reduce the risk of future flooding and minimize the damage caused by house flooding. Here are a few steps you can take:

• Understand Your Flood Risk: The first step is to assess your home’s flood risk. Check with local authorities or online resources to learn about your area’s flood maps, history, and warning systems. This information will help you determine the necessary steps to take to prepare for floods.
• Install Flood Protection Devices: Installing flood protection devices, such as backflow valves, sump pumps, or flood barriers, can help prevent water from entering your home. These devices are especially useful in areas prone to flooding.
• Keep Gutters Clean: Cleaning your gutters and downspouts is a simple yet effective way to prevent flooding. Blocked gutters can cause water to overflow and damage your home’s foundation, walls, and roof. Keep your gutters free of debris and check them regularly to avoid any clogs that could lead to flooding.
• Elevate Electrical and HVAC Systems: Electrical and HVAC systems should be elevated to higher levels to prevent damage in case of house flooding. It’s a good idea to consult with a professional to determine the proper elevation to ensure your systems are safe from future floods.
• Store Belongings Properly: Always store your belongings at higher elevations to keep them safe from flooding. Keep valuable items such as electronics or important documents in an elevated area or waterproof container.
• Prepare an Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit and keep it in an easily accessible location. This should include important documents, non-perishable food, water, flashlights, and other essentials needed in case of flooding.
• Have a Flood Plan: A flood plan ensures that everyone in your household knows what to do in case of house flooding. Ensure everyone knows the evacuation routes and safe locations to go in case of an emergency.

Following these preventative measures can help you reduce the risk of future flooding, minimize any potential damage, and keep you and your family safe in an emergency. It’s always better to be prepared and take preventive measures than to react after the fact and deal with the consequences of flooding.

Contact Western Disaster Clean Up for Your Flood Restoration

If you’ve recently experienced a flood or other disaster, it’s essential to act quickly to prevent further damage to your property and ensure a faster recovery. 

Western Disaster Clean Up is a team of experienced restoration professionals who can help you with your flood restoration and cleanup needs. Our experts offer fast, efficient, and reliable services to help you and your loved ones return to normal as soon as possible. 

Don’t try to tackle the restoration process alone; trust the Western Disaster Clean Up team for all your restoration needs. Call Western Disaster Clean Up today at 385.381.6539 to learn more about our 24/7 emergency restoration services.