Whether a flood is caused by intruding ground water, falling rain water, or rising water from a home system malfunction, there are some best practices you’ll needwithin the first 24 hours after the flood to ensure the safety of your home and family. Plus addressing the problem with a logical plan will give you the best possible settlement with your insurance company.
If the flood was serious enough for you to leave your home, be sure you stay safe upon your return. The Federal Emergency Management Agency warns that before entering the home, you should check for any visible structural damage: cracked foundation elements, cracks in support structures, and holes. Contact utility companies if you suspect damage to water, gas, electric, and sewer lines. ?
Have a powerful flashlight and turn off all water and electrical sources within the home. Even if the power isn’t operational, turn off the main switch in the fusebox, plus all of the individual fuse connections. That way, when the power is reactivated, you’re not at risk from standing water and electricity.
Open doors and windows to allow fresh air to circulate. Get the fans going as soon as it’s safe. Once you get the OK from your insurer to remove the water, either use a sump pump, a wet vac, or call in the experts at Sierra restoration. Water is so heavy, that carrying buckets of water up and down stairs is not only miserable– it is also dangerous.
Professional flood damage repair crews will immediately bring industrial powered equipment that can dry your home 3 to 10 times faster than the tools you currently own. And every hour matters after a flood.
According to FEMA, mold can develop within 24 to 48 hours of a flood so remove wet contents, including carpeting and bedding, as soon as possible. If an item has been wet for less than 48 hours, it may be salvageable. However, you’ll need to decide whether it holds enough monetary or sentimental value to try to do so. And notify your insurance company before removing items to ensure that you’re not affecting coverage. Always photograph the flood-soaked items.
Take photographs before removing wet wall boards and baseboards because insurers will want to see the height of any water damage to walls. A restoration service will know the best way to allow water trapped behind drywall to escape.
Hire a flood restoration service like Sierra Restoration. Like all the quality firms certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification, Sierra Restoration excels? in technical excellence. The IICRC Standards are developed to provide the highest quality concepts, terminology, and procedures recognized in the cleaning and restoration industry.
As the homeowner, it’s your responsibility to secure the property so that no additional damage occurs. Put boards over broken windows and secure a tarp as protection if the roof has been damaged. Again, take photographs to prove to the insurance company that you have done everything possible to protect your home against further damage.
Sierra Restoration is experienced in handling various types of storm damage including:
When you contact Sierra Restoration for your flood damage clean-up needs, you don’t just get a highly-experienced team that specializes in high-quality water removal and cleanup services, but you are choosing a company that is fully licensed to handle all reconstruction work that may need to happen after a water disaster. ?
Since 2010, they have provided our neighbors in Cache Valley with quality property restoration and reconstruction services.
If you have a question or would like to request a free estimate, please contact us using the form below.
If this is an emergency, please call (435) 563-4007 for 24/7 service.
