House floods are more common than you may think, so what should you do? First things first, don’t panic.
We know the words “flooded house” are enough to make any homeowner’s skin crawl, but if you follow our essential guide, you will know how to tackle a flooded house with ease.
What to do if your house floods? Follow these five crucial steps.
Table of Contents
Wear Protective Gear
Floodwater is a lot different from the water that comes out of your faucets, it’s unsanitary, and you don’t know what’s in it.
This water can also contain harmful bacteria, human waste/fecal matter, and sometimes snakes or other small creatures.
What to do if your house floods? Be sure to wear gloves, masks, as well as waterproof boots to protect your skin. Keep these items in an emergency kit for optimal flood preparation.
Document the Flood Damage
Before any cleaning takes place, be sure to document the flood damage by taking both photos and videos of your flooded house.
Documentation of the flood damage serves as proof of the repairs you need to make.
You could end up lessening the amount of financial assistance given to fix the damage if you lack sufficient evidence, or worse, your insurance company could deny your claim entirely.
Remove Water and Dry Everything
If your house floods, remove as much water as you can from the affected areas. This is a vital step because the longer you allow the water, often filled with bacteria, to sit, the deeper it will soak into your drywall, flooring, and other areas.
Did you know that mold only needs as little as 24 hours to start growing? If the flooding is severe, open your windows, turn on several fans to help the moisture dissipate, and use a wet-dry vacuum to help remove the water.
Be Aware of Electrical Components
If your home is flooded and the electricity is active, proceed with caution. There is a chance that you could be electrocuted.
Avoid turning on the lights or touching anything that uses electricity until you are sure your power is off.
Call Your Insurance Provider
Contact your insurance provider right away to open a claim. Of course, all insurance policies are not the same, so keep in mind yours may not cover flooding.
If you want to know what to do if your house floods, make sure you have rock-solid insurance as part of your flood preparation.
Check out this Better Flood article to learn more.
Also, if you had any emergency expenses to help get the flood under control, such as paying a plumber to shut down your water supply, for example, keep your receipts.
When contacting your insurance company about your flooded house, prepare to discuss these topics:
- How the water damage occurred (natural disaster, appliance malfunction, etc.)
- Whether or not your policy covers the damage
- If your policy was in effect when the damage occurred
- Whether or not you are reporting the water damage promptly to allow quick drying and repairs (ideally within 24 hours)
What to Do If Your House Floods? Our Five Essential Steps
If you’re wondering what to do if your house floods, make sure you keep a cool head. While there are many things you cannot control, we hope this article has given you some insight into the things you can control when tackling a flooded house.
If you found this article helpful, check out more from our blog!
