How Does Restoration for Homes Begin After Flood and Water Damage
By Space Coast Daily // September 13, 2019
Remember to Use Flood Insurance Claims
When your home is damaged by floods and water damage, there are numerous things that need to be done in order to complete the restoration process.
Some people think that just getting rid of the water itself will fix the problem, but usually, when a property is flooded, it’s for more than a couple of days, which is all it takes for mold and other permanent damage to come to your floors, walls, and even electrical outlets.
In this guide, we’ll explain how home restoration can begin after a flood in a handy checklist of things you need to do.
A great place to start is at sandiegowaterdamagesd.com Free Inspection.
Remember to Use Flood Insurance Claims
If you have insurance that can cover you for a flood, you need to contact your insurance company before you do anything. However, after that, don’t wait for your adjuster to come.
Take photos yourself so you have an arsenal should the adjuster not take enough photos. Clean your home to the best of your ability and make sure you keep all things that are damaged in place (or set aside) so you can count them as a loss to your adjuster.
You’ll also want to have your adjuster arrive and sign a proof of loss statement. Any additional damage found will be added later. Get ahold of your government offices for information and help.
Of course, if you don’t have flood insurance, check to see that the area is considered a federal disaster or state of emergency area. If this is true, you can apply online with disaster relief from the government.
Electrical Outlets and Breakers
Be sure that the main outside of your home is turned off before you ever enter the premises. A lot of people have been injured simply because they stepped in a wet spot and there was damage to the wiring behind a wall or outlet.
If you have any gas, be sure you turn off the main for the gas as well, since an electrical spark is all that it takes to have a serious accident, and floods can weaken and deteriorate gas pipes.
If you ever smell gas in your home, call for help and don’t attempt to do anything yourself.
How to Clean Food and Water
You want to filter your water and then boil your water. Anytime there is any flood, you can rest assured there may be water contamination either by the water itself or even the air and thus you need to boil out and strain any bacteria and debris.
What About the Floor?
You’re going to need to get rid of all of your bedding, carpeting, and furniture in order to let it dry. If it’s too damaged, or you see mold on it, you can let it dry and have it professionally cleaned, or you may have to get rid of it.
Conclusion
Finding the right way to restore your home may not only be able to be done by you. You’ve already got enough on your plate, so your best bet may be to find a contractor that specializes in water and mold removal to come into your home and get it fixed up.
You may be able to ask your insurance adjuster for one, or they may have one on-hand. Either way, if you can build a good case, you can possibly use a third-party restorer, since they will be unbiased by both the insurance company and by you.
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