Floods are the number one natural disaster in the United States, according to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Floods can happen in an instant. Thinking and acting fast is critical to save as many belongings and as much of your home as possible. Time is of the essence when it comes to water damage, prolonging remediation leads to further property damage and long-term issues like mold.
What to Do After a Flood
Follow these steps before the professionals at ServiceMaster by Reed arrive.
Inspect the property for safety hazards
- Check your flood insurance coverage and call your insurance provider before assessing the damage.
- Ensure safety by checking if the property is structurally secure, if the power is still on, if there are gas leaks present and if the floodwater is contaminated.
- Contact an authorized inspector to check the stability of the property. If you are concerned about the structure collapsing, do not enter the property.
- Prevent the risk of electrical shock by avoiding stepping or standing in water. It may already be charged by a lethal amount of electrical current, especially if there are compromised electrical systems and your outlets have been submerged by the flood.
- Gas and propane leaks are dangerous, call the utility company if you suspect one.
- Floodwaters, especially from natural disasters, are likely to contain sewage, chemicals and other contaminants. Call a professional flood damage restoration company to inspect the affected area, create a restoration plan and start the cleanup right away.
Remove as many items as possible
- A flooding event increases humidity and moisture, which can damage items that have not been in direct contact with water.
- After it has been declared safe to return to your property, immediately remove items within reach to prevent further damage and to increase the probability of them being salvaged.
- Be careful when removing electronics, as they may cause an electric shock if plugged in or powered up.
- Dry all recovered items and store them in a dry and secure area.
Extract water and prevent mold growth
- Rent a wet vacuum or submersible pump when attempting to remove water on your own. Water extraction is most effective when done by flood damage restoration specialists with proper equipment and experience.
- Decrease humidity levels to prevent mold growth while drying furnishings.
- Increase ventilation and accelerate the drying process by opening windows and doors as well as running dehumidifiers and fans.
Clean, sanitize and restore
- Clean and sanitize dried-out surfaces such as carpets, drywall and wood beams to avoid mold growth, diseases and infections.
- Different items require different techniques for thorough cleaning. It is best to contact a restoration specialist to prevent further item damage and to understand which items can be repaired and which will need to be replaced.
Keep an inventory
- Document the damage through photos or videos and keep any receipts or estimates for repairs and restoration for insurance purposes.
Contact ServiceMaster by Reed for Flood Damage Cleanup
ServiceMaster by Reed is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to immediately respond to flood damage emergencies.
ServiceMaster by Reed’s team of licensed and certified water damage restoration technicians utilize advanced tools, equipment and procedures to ensure effective and efficient flood cleanup.
Don't know what to do next? We do. Contact us today.
To schedule your FREE inspection and estimate, call ServiceMaster by Reed at (334) 712-1118 or message us online.
An independent franchise business licensed to serve you by ServiceMaster Restore®.