After a Flood: What to Do in the First 24 Hours

Whether a flood is caused by rain, groundwater, or a failure in your home’s water system, there are some suggested measures you should follow within the first 24 hours of the flood to preserve the safety of your home and family as well as the best possible outcome with your insurance company.

Avoid Taking Additional Risks

If the flooding was severe enough to leave your home, make sure you return safely. Before entering the house, look for visible structural deterioration such as warping, loosened or cracked foundation sections, fissures, and holes. Contact the utility companies if you suspect water, gas, electric, or sewer line damage to avoid an after trauma situation. 

Take Photographs

Before you remove any water or perform any repairs, take photos or video to completely document the damage for your insurer to provide you with water damage services. Digital versions are preferred since they can be easily stored and copied electronically. If you begin removing water or doing repairs before photographing the damage, you may restrict the extent of your coverage.

Take Care of Your Health

Even if your home’s water is pure, it may be contaminated by sewage or domestic pollutants. Waders and hip- or waist-high waterproof boots are recommended. Wear rubber gloves as well to remove water-damaged items and avoid contamination. Throw away any food that has come into contact with floodwaters.

Contact Your Insurance Provider

Because you should contact your insurer as soon as possible after the flood, Keep your insurance company’s and local agent’s phone numbers in your emergency kit at all times. If a flood has devastated a region or neighborhood, your agent may be focused on his or her flood problems. In that case, call the insurance company’s headquarters office.

Because groundwater flood damage is frequently not covered by ordinary homeowners insurance policies, you will need to collaborate with your insurer to determine the source of the flood and the breadth of your coverage. Visit their website to learn about your coverage. 

Determine if You Are in a Disaster Zone

When a location is formally classified as a “disaster area” by government authorities, property owners can access additional resources, such as public services to protect and rehabilitate the region. You may also be eligible for financial aid.

Remove Water

Once you’ve received authorization from your insurer to remove the water, use a sump pump to remove it. Keep in mind that water is heavy, with a cubic foot weighing 10 pounds, so take care not to injure yourself, especially if you’re carrying buckets of water upstairs and downstairs. Enable fresh air to circulate by opening doors and windows, as long as this does not allow additional water to enter.

Reduce Mold Damage

Mold can begin to grow 24 to 48 hours after a flood, so remove any moisture contents as soon as possible, particularly carpets and beds. If an object has been wet for less than 48 hours, it can be saved. However, you must consider whether it has enough monetary or sentimental value to justify the effort. Also, notify your insurance company before removing products to ensure that your coverage is not jeopardized. Always take photos of flood-damaged things.

Conclusion

Floods and flash floods can transpire in all 50 states and are extremely dangerous. They are the most common and pervasive natural disasters, second only to fire; hence, knowledge and planning are vital to limiting losses.