My Home Is Flooded! Now What??
Nothing can prepare you for the devastation of finding your home or your car underwater. It could happen, though. If it does, here are the first things you should do.
CHECK FOR DAMAGE BEFORE GOING INSIDE If there is structural damage, your home could collapse when you are inside. If you or your loved ones get hurt, your bad situation will definitely get much worse.
TURN OFF THE ELECTRICITY. It is not safe to reconnect the power until a professional electrician has inspected your system.
CALL YOUR INSURANCE. Once you have made a visual assessment of the damage as your insurance agent to file a claim.
TAKE PHOTOS. Pictures can serve as a record of the level of the floodwater and the extent of the damage.
WEAR GLOVES AND A MASK. Depending on the extent of the water damage, don't let wet, soggy items come in contact with your skin. The mask will keep you from breathing in any particulate matter, like mold, that can cause respiratory problems later.
REMOVE WET ITEMS AND DRY OUT YOUR HOME RIGHT AWAY. This will help prevent mold. Use a bucket, mops and pumps to get the water out. Be sure to remove dirt, mud and debris, as well.
SAVE PERSONAL PROPERTY. Look for things that might have been spared. Depending on the damage, you might be able to salvage quite a bit.
REMOVE SOGGY CARPETS AND RUGS. The padding beneath your carpet takes forever to dry out. If it get saturated, it will become smelly and lead to mold growth.
HIRE A PROFESSIONAL TO REMOVE MOLD. It is wise to hire an expert to inspect your home for mold and remove it.
MAKE A LIST. This will serve as an inventory of all your lost and damaged items. Note down the date of their purchase, the value, and if you have records, try to find some proof of purchase, or a receipt. Hopefully you already made an inventory of your personal goods before the club.
REMOVE FLOODED DRYWALL. If the room with drywall was flooded, you must cut away the at least a foot above where it got wet. If you see any mold, remove it. Drywall is porous. You cannot clean off mold.
BOIL WATER. Chances are, the flood contaminated the water supply. Until authorities announce it is is safe for drinking, boil your water.
TAKE A DEEP BREATH, STAY CALM. It's not easy dealing with a flood. Remember to take a break, talk to friends, and give yourself time to heal. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Helpful resources:
American Red Cross
www.redcross.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/readiness.asp
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
www.fema/gov/hazard/flood/index.shtm
