When a Storm Causes a Flood in Your Home

A flood in your home can destroy many of your valuables and property, and a storm is the most significant culprit. When a home becomes flooded, it is often due to external events, such as extreme weather. Regardless of where the water is coming from, you must take steps to protect your family and your home while preventing any further health hazards. Hopefully, you are prepared with adequate coverage to help with repair costs.

Flood in Your Home

Here is a breakdown of what to do if your house floods.

Stop Water From the Source

Where exactly is the water entering your home? Quickly locate the source of the water and do your best to seal it up as much as possible. Ideally, you would be able to do this before the flood waters have done too much irreversible damage, so in case of a water emergency, act fast.

Turn Off the Electricity

For safety reasons, the first thing you will want to do after you have stopped the water from entering is turn off all electrical systems in your home. Be sure not to walk through the water to get to the fuse box. If you cannot reach the fuse box without going through water, contact an electrician for help.

Evacuate the Premises

If the flooding has become severe, find a dry, safe spot outside your home, whether in the backyard or at a neighbor’s or friend’s house. Ensure that anyone who may have been at the house (including pets) is there. It may be best to find a temporary shelter in a natural disaster, as advised by authorities or the local news. Try to get everyone relocated to the shelter quickly. It is wise to prepare kids for emergencies beforehand with videos, storybooks, and activities to understand how to act safely during a flood.

Call for Help

Once everyone is safe on dry ground, call for help. If anyone needs medical attention, call 911. Regardless of a flooded house, the first priority is to ensure the well-being of you and your loved ones. After confirming everyone is safe and well, contact the appropriate parties to start the recovery process. It is vital that homeowners promptly notify their insurer and explain how their home has suffered from water damage. Verify if you have to wait for an adjuster to visit your home before beginning cleanup and repairs.

Document Everything

Before cleaning up the mess, you must document everything to show your insurer the severity of the damage. You can use your smartphone to film or photograph as many details as possible. Keep in mind that the flood waters may have sewage or other hazardous material, so be cautious not to touch them. Before entering your home, wear appropriate protective gear (waders and waterproof boots).

Start the Cleanup Process

Cleaning up after a substantial flood can be tedious and time-consuming, including water removal, salvaging any personal items you can, drying the space out, and disinfecting anything the water has touched. Prepare yourself now by keeping adequate supplies handy.

Prevent Mold Damage

Other than the loss of personal property to water damage, secondary damage is also to consider. Mold is a common issue after a flood, and this mold is often toxic that can cause long-term effects on your health. To avoid mold issues, it is best to keep areas that have flooded as dry as possible while treating the spaces that could become an issue with a more robust cleaner, like a bleach solution.

Be Prepared

Many homes across America are affected by urban flooding due to increased rains and the resulting overflow from rivers, streams, and coastal areas. The damage can require extensive repairs and the cost and become financially devastating if you do not have proper protection with strong Flood and Earthquake Insurance NJ. Sometimes it is just too late, or the flooding is just too powerful, but if you get lucky, you might be able to take advantage of some proactive measures to protect your home from the ravages of floods, such as:

• Water leak sensors for an early warning of unwanted water.
• Intelligent home security system equipped with flood detection.
• Sump pump to manage the water damage and cleanup.
• Waterproof safe for valuables and important documents.

About David G. Sayles Insurance Services

At David G. Sayles Insurance Services, we help our clients decide which of these options is best for them based on their current situation and risk factors. Contact us at 1-855-977-1842 or insureme@dsayles.mysites.io for a consultation!