Steps to Recover Quickly From a Flood With Safety in Mind | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley
4/10/2020 (Permalink)
Flooding is now a more common occurrence than it ever has been, which has spurred many people to think through exactly what their recovery strategy would be.
While recovering from a flood quickly is everyone’s top focus, it is important to understand that staying safe also plays a vital role in the recovery efforts. We have detailed the steps below to help you know exactly how to recover from a flood while remaining safe in the process.
Avoid further safety hazards. It is a natural reaction to want to handle the damage as quickly as possible, prompting many individuals to be antsy to return to their homes. While this is understandable, it is important to check with local officials in your area to make sure the impacted regions are safe to inhabit once more.
Air out the home. While the damage that rising waters cause is devastating enough, those who have experienced flood damage are also at a high risk for mold development in the impacted areas. Mold thrives in damp areas with little air flow, so opening your home’s doors and windows can cut down significantly on its growth, as well as keep the air healthier to breathe as you work to clean up.
Document the damages. While many people will react to seeing the damage by immediately taking action, make sure you are gathering adequate documentation before you jump in. Create a detailed inventory list of everything that has been impacted by the flood and take photographic evidence to back up what you include. Not only is this helpful for your own records, but if you are eligible to file an insurance claim, it will come in handy through that process as well.
Contact your restoration and insurance companies right away. If you have already purchased flood insurance, getting in touch with your insurance company right away will help direct you toward next steps for filing a claim. Additionally, prioritize contacting your flood restoration company in the aftermath. Letting moisture sit can cause further damages to your home, so getting the professionals in quickly is always advised.
If your home has been damaged in a flood, we are here for you. You can contact us 24⁄7 to receive a quick response and set the restoration process in motion.