What To Do In Case Of A Flood In Your Home

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

If your home has been flooded, there are some specific things that you can do to help you get back to normal as soon as possible, especially if the levels of flooding are not severe. If the flooding is severe, your friends here at SERVPRO are here to help! 

Here are some steps to take in case of a flood in your home: 

PEOPLE

Evacuate everyone from the premises as soon as it is obvious a flooding event is happening. Find a dry, safe spot away from the house where everyone can wait until it is safe to return home. If flooding is caused by a natural disaster, stay connected by listening to the local news or emergency broadcasts; these will help you to find a temporary shelter. If you need help getting to shelter, you can contact area authorities for assistance or if anyone needs medical attention.

SOURCE

If the flood is not from a natural event you should attempt to find the source of the flood and stop it by turning off any faucet or sealing up holes in piping or hoses; turning off the main water valve may also solve the issue, at least temporarily. 

ELECTRICITY

Turn off the electricity, but do not attempt to reach the fuse box if you have to walk through water to reach it. Call an electrician if the fuse box is inaccessible. 

DOCUMENTATION

Document all the damage by taking photos and videos of all the affected areas. This information will be necessary for insurance purposes if you need to file a claim.

Clean-up safety tips:

PROTECT YOURSELF

Do not touch the water without the proper equipment, as it may be contaminated with sewage or other hazardous material. If you have to enter the establishment, wear waders or waterproof boots. 

SALVAGE

Do not eat any food that has been contaminated by floodwater.

DRYING

If the water damage is not too bad, dry the space out with fans and dehumidifiers, but do not plug in electrical devices unless you are sure it is safe. All standing water needs to be removed from the area before this step. Open any windows and doors to let fresh, dry air in and circulate.

MOLD PREVENTION

Your property needs to be as dry as possible to prevent mold spores from growing. Once a mold colony gets established it is not possible to remove it completely. Keep the affected areas as dry as possible and treat them with a strong cleaner, such as a bleach solution. 

Here at SERVPRO of Hermitage/Donelson, we are experts when it comes to water damage repair and restoration, and we are mold prevention and remediation pros, too; we are always prepared and ready to come help in the event of any kind of disaster or accident, no matter the size. We can get your home or business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, as well. This franchise is independently owned and operated.