1.47 billion people face flood risk worldwide. Some people think it won’t happen to them, but floods can happen to anyone, at any time. The chances of your house flooding are worse if you’re in a flood zone.
There are ways to prevent some instances of flooding, such as raising your home if it’s close to water. Natural disasters, however, can never be prevented. It’s important to be prepared for a house flood, just in case.
That is why it’s critical to understand what steps you should take if your home begins to fill up with water. Read on for essential tips on what to do if your house floods.
Table of Contents
Identify the Source
The first step in dealing with a flooded house is identifying the source of the flood. If it’s not a natural disaster, you’ll need to identify the source and take steps to fix it.
Disconnect Power
If you are able to access the power source without walking through water, shut it down. If you are not sure how to safely turn off the power, leave it on and exit the building. Once you are a safe distance away, call your utility company and ask them to shut off the power at the street level.
Wear Protective Clothing
It’s important to protect yourself in case the water is contaminated. Wear rubber boots in case of residual electricity and a waterproof coat. Be sure to cover your nose and mouth with a bandanna or mask to avoid breathing in contaminants.
Assess the Damage and Document It
Take a look around the house and document all the damage. This includes damage to furniture, walls, appliances, and any other items in the home. Be sure to take photos or videos of the damage as well.
Make a list of all the damaged items and their value. This information will be helpful when filing an insurance claim.
Contact Your Insurance Company
If you are a homeowner, contact your insurance company to ascertain what damages they cover and what you may expect. If you are a renter, contact your landlord. They will start the process of filing a claim and getting the necessary repairs done.
Dry Up Water
Once you have contacted your insurance company and documented everything, you can start drying up the water. A sump pump, mop, and towel are all helpful to remove the water from your home.
If you have a lot of damage, bring in a professional water removal company to help you. These companies have special equipment that can remove the water quickly.
Clear Damage and Start Drying
Remove any water-damaged items and begin drying out the house as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Throw out anything that has come into contact with flood water, including carpeting, bedding, clothing, and furniture.
Dry out the house using fans and dehumidifiers. Once the house is dry, you can begin the process of cleaning and repairing any damage that has been done.
Prevent Mold
Mold develops fast during flooding and can cause further damage to your home. To prevent mold damage, dry out the house as quickly as possible and clean any surfaces that have been affected by flood water. Use a disinfectant to kill any mold spores that are present.
Repair Any Damage to the Home’s Structure
If the home’s structure has been damaged by flooding, it is important to have it repaired as soon as possible. Flood water can weaken the home’s foundation and cause further damage that can be expensive to repair.
Prevent Future Flooding Damage
There are a few things you can do to prevent flooding in your house and the damage from it in the future. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are free of debris so that water may freely drain from the home. In the event of heavy rainfall, consider investing in a sump pump to remove water from your property.
Here are some other steps you can take to prevent future flooding and protect your home in case of natural disasters.
Install Flood Gates or Barriers
Installing flood gates or barriers is a great way to protect your home from natural disaster flooding. These can be installed around doors and windows to help prevent water from entering the home.
Seal Your Home
You can also help protect your home from flooding by sealing it. This means making sure that there are no cracks or gaps in the foundation or walls of your home. You should also make sure that your doors and windows are properly sealed.
Have an Emergency Plan
It’s important to have an emergency plan in place in case of flooding. This should include a list of items that you need to take with you if you have to evacuate, as well as a list of people to contact in case of an emergency.
Purchase Flood Insurance
If you live in a flood-prone location, it’s critical to get flood insurance. This will cover the expenses of any damage caused by flooding. Flood insurance is not generally covered by property insurance, so you’ll need separate coverage for this.
Prepare Your Home for Flooding
There are a number of things you can do to prepare your home for flooding. This includes making sure that all of your appliances and electrical outlets are raised off the ground, as well as ensuring that any valuables are stored in a safe place.
Turn Off the Utilities
If you know that flooding is imminent, you should turn off the utilities to your home. This includes electricity, gas, and water.
Routinely Check Your Plumbing
It’s important to routinely check your plumbing for any leaks or damage. This will help you to prevent any flooding that could occur as a result of a broken pipe.
That’s What to Do if Your House Floods
Flood damage is never fun, but by knowing the causes of flooding and following these steps you can minimize the damage and get your home back to normal as quickly as possible.
With these tips, you now know what to do if your house floods. Be sure to take action immediately to prevent any further damage. Check out our other home improvement articles to help you keep your home in tip-top shape.