Keys for Safety in the Aftermath of a Flood | SERVPRO® of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills

5/27/2020 (Permalink)

If you’re experiencing any water damage from flooding, SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills is available 24/7 to assist you with any repairs.

Discovering that your home has been damaged by a flood can be absolutely devastating, and it is normal for homeowners to be eager to return and begin the cleanup process.

Though quick action is advised in the aftermath of a flood, it is also essential to prioritize your safety during the process to avoid injuries or further damage.

How to Stay Safe Following a Flood

Avoid further safety hazards. In the aftermath of a flood, never return home without first checking with local authorities and making sure it is safe. Floodwaters can harbor many dangers, including contaminants, electrical currents and other hazards that can make recovery more difficult in the long term.

Air out the home. As long as your area is free of rain or other risks, opening doors and windows to allow the house to air out can mitigate the damage your home sustains. The air can quickly become stale if enclosed in the home for long, so you may want to let it air out for a bit before beginning the cleanup process. Though mold growth can start within a day of receiving damage from floodwaters, increasing airflow can prevent it from growing as quickly and cut down on the damages caused.

Document the damages. Moving into the cleanup process quickly is a common first instinct, but homeowners are wise to thoroughly document damages before they do so. Even without flood insurance, your general homeowner’s policy may cover some of the damages. By taking photographic evidence, it will be much easier to maximize the claim you are eligible to receive from your insurance company.

Contact your restoration and insurance companies right away. Telling your insurance company right away about the damage to your home will set the claims and adjustment process in motion if you are eligible to file. Afterward, it is advised to contact your restoration company as soon as possible—the longer water damage is left untreated, the more extensive the damage to your home and structures can become.

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.