Nobody wants to experience a home flood. But with increasingly volatile weather patterns and more homes reaching their retirement age in the US, a home flood is one of the most likely disasters you are may encounter. If you suddenly find your home or apartment in deep water, there are a few steps to take to ensure your safety, and that will make the aftermath a little easier.
Stop the Water at its Source
If the flood is due to a burst pipe or sewage failure, you’ll need to turn off the water main and stop the flooding at its source. If the flood is due to a natural disaster, then move on to the next step.
Stop the Water at its Source
Turn Off the Electricity
If you can access your fuse box without walking through water, then turn off the electrical system in your home. If you cannot reach the fuse box or access it without treading water, then leave it and call an electrician after you have vacated the property.
Turn off the Electricity
Get Everyone to Safety
If a natural disaster strikes, you will probably not have the ability to do the first few steps, and the priority will be to get any family or friends (including the ones with paws) away from the property and to safety. Listen to instructions on the news from local authorities and seek shelter immediately. If the flood is isolated to your home, stay with a neighbor or friend’s house until help arrives.
Get Everyone to Safety
Call Your Insurer and Document The Damage
Once you know everyone is safe, it’s time to call your insurer and tell them what happened. As you’re reading this, now is an excellent time to make sure you have your homeowner’s insurance claim number in your cell phone, along with your policy number or any other information you may need. You’ll need to document all the damage to your property caused by the flooding, with photos and videos from your cell phone. Floodwater can contain hazardous materials, such as sewage or toxic building materials, so make sure you wear protective gear such as waders and waterproof footwear.
Call Your Insurer and Document Damage
Clean Up and Prevent Mold Damage
The step is to call a remediation company to clear out the floodwater, dry the property, and restore the damage. A remediation company can also put into place a preventative measure that will prevent another disaster from striking: mold damage. The clean-up process after a flood can be an emotionally challenging time, so trying to do everything yourself is not only unsafe but can take a toll on a family.
If you live in the Miami-Dade County area and you have experienced a home flood, call the experts at BioResponse Restoration to make the clean-up process smoother and less stressful.
Clean Up and Prevent Mold Damage
Professional and Licensed Mold Remediation
Trust BioResponse Restoration! We have been in the mold remediation and water damage restoration business for over 15 years. Experience and reputation are key. We have seen it and done it all. Only hire licensed and insured mold remediation experts. Don’t take our word for it. Check out our reviews on Yelp.
