Water damage is a nightmare for homeowners, and if your home experiences flooding, you’ll most likely require water disaster cleanup.
Whether the flooding was caused by a burst pipe, a natural disaster, or a malfunctioning appliance, the aftermath of water damage can be a huge pain to deal with. From soaked carpets and walls to electrical hazards and mold growth, the effects of water damage can linger long after the flooding.
Flooding can happen to anyone, so it’s important to have a plan in place in case the worst happens. Whether you have water damage that needs to be taken care of or you’re just looking to prepare in case of a disaster, we’ve covered everything you need to know if your home floods.
Causes of Flooding
There are several common causes of flooding and water damage in homes. One of the most common is heavy rainfall, especially in areas that don’t have drainage systems built to withstand lots of rain. When rainwater can’t drain properly, it can pool around the foundation of a home and seep into the basement or crawl space.
Another common cause of flooding is faulty plumbing. Burst pipes, leaky faucets, and overflowing toilets can all cause severe flooding, especially if the issue goes unnoticed for an extended period of time. Water from plumbing issues can seep into the walls and floors, causing extensive damage.
Natural disasters can also cause heavy flooding. Hurricanes and tornados can potentially bring massive amounts of water into the home.
Sewer backups are another potential cause of flooding. These backups can occur when blockages or breaks in the sewer line prevent wastewater from flowing out of the home. This can cause raw sewage to back up into the home’s drains, creating an unpleasant and dangerous situation for homeowners.
Some areas are more prone to flooding than others; places with a high risk of flooding have been designated as a flood zone. If you live in a flood zone, you should make a plan in advance for dealing with floods.
What to do During a Flood
During a flood, the most important thing is to stay safe. If there is severe flooding in the area, you may be ordered to evacuate. If you aren’t ordered to evacuate, but your home is in an area prone to flooding or in a flood zone, consider taking measures to protect your home, like sandbagging doorways or moving furniture to higher ground.
If you find your home is flooded due to a natural disaster, vacate the building and stay away until authorities have determined it’s safe to return.
Avoid contact with floodwater, as it could contain sewage or other contaminated materials. Also, avoid using electrical equipment or appliances during a flood, as they may short-circuit and cause a fire or electrical shock.
If possible, you should locate the source of the flooding and shut the water line off to prevent more flooding.
After the Flood
Once the flow of water has stopped, you’ll want to start the flood cleanup process immediately. There are a few things that you need to do to begin the cleanup process. Call a water disaster cleanup company, and they’ll be able to help you immediately and walk you through the process.
You should also call your insurance company. Begin by documenting the damage to your home and belongings. Make sure to take either photographs or videos of the damage caused by the water, and make a list of all the items that were damaged or lost in the flood. Some disaster cleanup companies can help you with this process to ensure you get everything you’re entitled to.
Once everything has been documented, the cleanup process can start fully. The flood cleanup company will clear out any standing water from your home, usually with a wet-dry vacuum or a pump.
Once all of the water is out of the home, it’s important that the areas damaged by the water are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. This part of the process is essential to prevent the growth of mold and other bacteria. We recommend letting a flood cleanup team take care of this part, but if you’re tackling it on your own, be sure to wear protective gear as you clean.
A good disaster cleanup company will ensure that any damage caused by the water is taken care of and will take measures to make sure that any long-term damage is avoided.
Finalizing the Insurance Process
As we said earlier, you should document the flooding, all the damages, and any lost items as soon as possible. Dealing with your insurance company after a flood can be daunting, but as long as you’ve carefully documented everything, you should have nothing to worry about. It’s important that you receive compensation for everything that you’re entitled to.
Once you have everything documented, contact your insurance agency as soon as possible to start the claims process. They should provide you with additional instructions and information, such as how to fill out a claim form, how to provide documentation, and if you need to meet with an adjuster.
In addition to documenting the damages, you should also keep track of any expenses related to the flood (temporary housing, meals, transportation).
Your policy may or may not cover the cost of repairs to your home or the replacement of lost or damaged items. This all depends on what’s covered by your policy. It’s important to read your policy carefully to know what you’re entitled to.
Western Disaster Clean Up – Your Partner in Restoring Your Home.
Dealing with the aftermath of a flood can be a massive headache. That’s why you need someone you can trust.
At Western Disaster Clean Up, we’re committed to returning your home to its former glory as quickly as possible. We have the training and experience to deal with any disaster and are available 24/7.
If you’re dealing with flooding and water damage or have any other home restoration needs, we can help get your home cleaned up in no time. Contact us today, and let’s help you restore the home that you love.
