Flooding costs the U.S. between $179.8 to $496 billion annually. And with the increasing occurrence of floods, particularly in coastal areas, homeowners are more likely than ever to experience a life-changing flood. Like with other natural disasters, a flood is impossible to prevent. With this in mind, we’ve created this guide to walk homeowners through the steps they should take after they experience flooding.
1. Ensure Safety First
When you know a flood or heavy rain is headed your way, it is smart to turn off all your utilities. A large hazard in flooding is dangerous energetic currents and the toxic chemicals in the water. Do your part to protect the environment, yourself, and your neighbors by turning off your electricity, gas, and water supply.
Avoid the water at all costs. Typical sealants and protections in place for preventing spilling are void in floods where pipes are damaged, and parts are submerged. This usually leads to dangerous contaminants in the floodwater, such as sewage, chemicals and bacteria.
Evacuate your home. It may be tempting to stay with all your belongings, but the best thing you can do for your safety is to leave immediately if your county announces potential flooding in the area. Once the flooding occurs, the chances of you being able to leave easily decrease drastically.
2. Document the Damage
Once the flooding has ended and you are cleared to return to your home, document all of the damages. This applies to everything from structural damage, furniture and personal belongings. Make a detailed list of your damaged items. This will be extremely helpful when dealing with insurance so that you can be fully reimbursed for your damages. After documentation, contact your insurance.
At Poseidon Restoration, we work directly with your insurance company to cover the costs of the damage restoration.
3. Call a Professional Restoration Company
If you had any sort of flooding in your home, it is crucial to contact a professional restoration company. Even an inch of water could have damaged the structural integrity of the walls and created the perfect habitat for mold growth.
Poseidon Restoration offers flood, fire, mold, and water damage restoration services for the greater Seattle area. Our team is highly experienced in removing standing water with state-of-the-art machinery, preventing mold growth, and restoring any and all damages to your home.
