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Homes are at risk of flooding every year, especially in regions that are prone to severe weather. You can also experience water damage in your house if you have a burst pipe or some other plumbing issue. Unfortunately, there is little you can do when a home floods, but the sooner you get to repairs, the less severe the consequences. You have to consider the water damage existing in your house and the potential for mold that causes poor air quality indoors. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to deal with these consequences and get your home back to perfect health, as seen below.
1. Assess the Damages
The first step you should take after experiencing flooding in your home is to assess the damages. Document any locations of mold or destruction of property due to the water in your house. If you have flood insurance, your policy agents will likely ask for this type of documentation. You should also provide evidence of the damages to the cleanup company that arrives to fix your home. They will appreciate knowing what they can expect, especially when providing you with a quote. Do not enter if the conditions are too hazardous for your health, as you always want to consider your safety.
2. Hire a Restoration Business
Try to find a flood damage restoration in Denver to help in the cleanup process. These professionals will help to save any personal items that remain salvageable in your house. They will also have the skills necessary to dry out the water and disinfect the area to prevent bacteria and mold growth. A restoration business will know the specific products they can use in your house that are safe for the air quality of your house. They will know how to safely get your home back to prior functioning.
3. Prevent the Growth of Mold
The water restoration company you work with will do everything possible to prevent mold growth in your home. Before the professionals arrive, try to open the windows in your home and install dehumidifiers to eliminate some of the moisture in the air. The restoration company will replace your flooring as it absorbs water and warps, allowing mold to grow. Next, the professionals will expose the studs in your wall to let them dry. Finally, you need to ask the restoration company to remove any insulation that got wet due to flooding, as this product will trap moisture and eventually allow mold to grow.
4. Turn Off the Electricity in Your Home
If you have significant flooding, call the power company to turn off the electricity. If the water damage is only in one area, use the circuit breaker. If your home flooded before you could turn off the electricity, do not touch any lights, outlets, or other power equipment. Call an electrician to enter your home when it is safe. They will know when the appropriate time is to turn the electricity back on in your home by reaching the circuit breaker.
5. Contact Your Insurance
Most standard home insurance policies do not include flood coverage. They will pay for any damages from the water damage, but you must talk to your agent to discuss your claim. Some insurance policies cover emergency mitigation procedures, meaning you will receive payment from the electrician or water restoration company you hire. Other businesses pay for you to stay in a hotel room while your house gets fixed. You must provide the insurance company with as many details as possible to ensure you get the full coverage you need to live safely in your home again.
Dealing with the Aftermath of a Flood in Your Home
IF your home floods, you have to take immediate steps to get it fixed. You do not want the water damage to eventually turn into mold. Try to take pictures of any areas that need repair, providing them to your insurance and remediation companies. The restoration professionals will have the skills necessary to remove the water from your home and prevent mold growth. When you file a claim with your insurance provider, you will receive coverage for the fees of the remediation companies and any out-of-pocket expenses you have to pay, including hotel rooms.
