You don’t have to reside in a “flood zone” to experience a house flood. Your house may flood due to an overflowing toilet, a burst pipe, or breakdown of your washing machine.
When your house floods it’s essential to quickly bring the situation under control to prevent potential exposure to contaminated water or widespread damage to your property and belongings.
Flood water is usually not clean and may contain harmful bacteria, viruses, molds, fungi, fecal matter, chemicals, dissolved gasses, and even minor wildlife life snakes or other creatures. Therefore, while the most immediate risk posed by flood water is damage to your property and loss of possessions, it can also create a potential health burden on your family.
In fact, some of the substances in flood water can cause wide ranging health problems including respiratory problems, skin and eye irritations, headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Plus, untreated water damage can destroy the structural integrity of your home’s structure.
What should you do after a flood in your house?
If there is a massive flood, the first priority is to evacuate your family to a safe place and wait until your home is safe to re-enter. But for a small flood you can engage immediately and proactively. Secure and wear protective gear, identify and then stop the water from the source, remove the water, and dry your house immediately. Wearing protective gear such as rubber gloves and boots can protect you from injuries and risk of infection from bacteria filled water.
Since water and electricity are a dangerous mix, you should cut off electricity in your house before you begin removing water. Make certain the electrical breaker is off before you step on wet areas or handle any electronics and appliances connected to electricity. If turning off the power in your home means standing on wet areas or contact with plugged appliances and electronics, call an electrician to turn the power off.
Prepare to make your claim
Before you can remove the flood water and begin the restoration process, quickly and thoroughly document the damage. Careful documentation is critical when making an insurance claim demonstrating to your home insurance provider the specific damages to your property and your belongings. By taking extensive photographs and video footage, you can capture the damage as vividly as possible.
Also, create a list of what’s damaged and indicate whether it can be repaired, cleaned or disposed of. Note the value of every item and take photos before, during and after the cleanup. With these records, your adjuster will have an easier time establishing concrete damages during assessment.
As you document the damage, immediately call your home insurance provider to send an adjuster to your house. The insurance adjuster assigned to your claim will quantify the damage, confirm that the damages are covered, and assist finding contractors to repair your home.
Sometimes, you may have to pay for emergency expenses to bring the flood under control. For example, you may have to pay a plumber to shut down the water supply. In addition, if you pay for any emergency services, make sure to retain the receipts so your home insurance provider will be obligated to pay for emergency mitigation expenses as part of your overall claim.
