What To Do If Your House Floods

3/2/2018 (Permalink)

With the crazy weather we've been experiencing lately, house and/or business flooding is a real concern. Luckily, we can step in to help minimize the damage and get your back to normal living conditions, but there are some other important steps to take as well.

Stop The Flow

Your first priority is stopping the flow of water. If the flooding is due to storm surges, you should be seeking safe ground. Your possessions are replaceable. You aren't!

If you have time however, turn off electricity at the fuse box. If you can’t reach the box without wading into water, call an electrician and stay out of the wet areas. Most people don't think of this step during a flood but doing so can save a lot of extra repair once you're back in the house.

Snap It, Document It

Before removing any water, document the damage for your insurance company. Capture the extent of the water damage and all possessions impacted by the flood. Digital photos are best because you can quickly upload them directly to your agent for assessment.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and follow their directions. Not all flooding is covered by a basic homeowners policy, so work with your agent to discover the cause and identify coverage you can qualify for. Do not remove any water before talking to them so you don’t accidentally do anything that will decrease the amount of coverage you’ll be able to claim. If the insurance company wants you to wait for an adjuster before making repairs, do so — but make sure you give them a clear picture of the damage and repairs that are immediately needed.

Protect Yourself

You won’t know immediately if the water is contaminated, so take precautions to safeguard your health. Wear protective gear like waders or rubber boots and rubber gloves before delving into the water and removing water-logged possessions. If possible, remove children from the home until the damage is assessed and contained.

We're Here To Help

We are truly "faster to any disaster." When your home or business has water damage, we have the expertise and equipment to properly restore your property. The water removal and water cleanup process is completed by our highly-trained technicians who will document the drying process. This validates that your property has been dried properly and thoroughly.

Please follow the tips outlined in our Water Damage Tips—Until Help Arrives Guide to protect yourself and your property.