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5 Things to Do After Your Home Floods

5 Things to Do After Your Home Floods

Even though it is still winter, before long, the spring rains will begin to pour. In many low-lying areas, the rains will cause floods that will do thousands of dollars of damage to homes. If your house floods, take these steps to begin to recover.

Avoid Additional Damage

When you begin the recovery process, take precautions to avoid additional damage to the house, its contents, and yourself. Don’t lift heavy objects alone because the water will have added more weight to them. Also, wear gloves, and if you see mold, a respirator mask.

If dishes and other items are salvageable, be sure to disinfect them. Also, be cautious with the chemicals you’re using to clean with because many cleaning solutions are poisonous. To avoid harsh chemicals, use bleach or white vinegar with which to clean and disinfect.

Call Your Insurance Company

If you own your home, then you will have insurance on it. When it is safe to return to your property, evaluate the damage, and then contact your insurance representative to report it.

If you have a flood insurance policy, which is separate from a homeowner’s policy, call that insurer as well.

If you live in a low to moderate risk area along the coast, it is still a good idea to have a flood insurance policy. However, your homeowner’s policy should cover damage caused by wind and rain regardless if you have flood insurance or not.

Take Pictures

While you’re waiting for a representative from your insurance company to come out and evaluate the damage, make sure to document it by taking pictures. Along with the flood damage, show any wind or rain damage that your home or property sustained.

Also, find out if the area you’re in is a declared disaster area. If it is, then there should be more resources available to you to help with the damages. Your insurance company may have more information about it, or you can contact FEMA directly to find out.

Contact a Restoration Company

Cleaning up after a flood is a large task, one that you will need help with from experts. Companies that clean up flood or water damage can help mitigate problems like mold and flood damage in your house.

They can help restore your home to as good as new again after a disaster like a flood or a hurricane. To find out what they can do for you, go to metrowiderestoration.com to learn more about restoration services.

Secure Your Property

It is your responsibility to secure your property after a disaster like a flood or a hurricane. Board up damaged windows, replace your doors if they have damage, and make sure it is safe to be on your property.

You don’t want to complicate your problems with a personal injury claim if someone gets hurt while walking into your yard. Take pictures of any debris that fell off your house, then remove it if it impedes a walkway or road.

Depending on the situation, it could take months to get paid for the damage your house sustains after a major flood or a disaster like a hurricane.

However, if you’ve prepared for it by having the proper insurance coverage, then your expenses will be taken care of, and you should be able to get back on your feet quickly once everything finalizes.

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