Flood damage can be overwhelming and devastating to property and homeowner morale. It’s difficult to know where to start clean-up efforts, but if you can act quickly, you will minimize lost property and prevent further damage to your home.
If your home has been affected by floodwater, a malfunctioning sump pump, or a burst pipe, we are here to help. Call us 24/7 at 1-800-727-8515. In the meantime, here are some precautions to keep you and your family safe in the event of a flood.
Disconnect Power & Remove Electronics
Water and electricity do not mix. Before entering the flooded area, wear protected rubber boots and gloves. Turn off power and gas to the affected area – it is never a good idea to enter a flooded area while power is on. Then, remove any electronics around the flood water to reduce shock risk and potentially salvage the devices from more damage.
Stop Water Source & Remove Standing Water
If the flood is due to rainfall, wait until the rain has stopped before starting clean-up. If it’s due to another issue, locate the source and stop water flow as soon as possible. Once the source has been identified, start removing water. Purchase or rent a sump-pump or shop-vac to remove larger amounts of standing water. If the amount of water is unmanageable, call a flood disaster relief specialist to help!
Dry & Dehumidify The Flooded Area
Even if your basement looks like it is dry, take precautions to avoid persistent damp conditions that allow mold to flourish. You can buy or rent industrial fans and dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture from the air. Additionally, remove carpeting to allow flooring underneath to fully dry. Water-damaged carpet padding should be replaced to avoid mold growth. If your carpet can be salvaged, have it professionally cleaned and sanitized to avoid harmful bacteria.
Contact Your Insurance Company
If you have flood insurance, notify the provider as soon as possible. Take the opportunity to confirm your coverage limits and ask about claim procedures to follow. You may need to wait on further cleanup or restoration until an insurance adjuster can assess the damage.
Call a Professional Clean-Up Crew
Contact us at ServiceMaster by Rice for your flood restoration needs. We can help you with every step of the flood damage assessment and clean-up process. We work to salvage your property as quickly and efficiently as possible to get your life back to normal. Give us a call today!
