Steps to Take When Your Home is Flooding

Home and house flooding tips to prevent further damages and be safe

At ServiceMaster of Boulder we see firsthand the trauma that water damage can cause for a family. Often times the most difficult area in a water damage event is knowing where to start.

If your home is flooding there are certain steps you should take to get the ball rolling to identify and stop the source as well as to begin to mitigate the water damage.

We hope the information below on what to do when your home or house is flooding provides some useful guidance in the unfortunate event you experience a flood in your home or business.

My House is Flooded – What Do I Do?

A water damage emergency causes despair and confusion, especially when you don’t know what to do or who to call. Don’t panic. We’ll provide you with a peace of mind as we explain the actions to take involving a water related incident.

Keep in mind, whether the damage is caused by a broken pipe, backed up sewer, faulty appliance, heavy rainfall or any other source, prompt action is critical.

Safety First

First and foremost, if you feel your safety is at risk during a water damage emergency, leave the property. Fortunately, most situations are not life threatening. So you may be anxious to enter a flooded area in your home or building to stop or assess the damage.

Contact ServiceMaster of Boulder at(303) 529-7268 oronline to address water damage and flooding, and prevent any further damage from occurring.

If you feel you need to, take precautions, including the following to avoid safety risks:

Structural Damage From a Flood or Water Loss

While this is not common, the water pressure from heavy flooding can compromise the walls of a home or building. Before entering your flooded property, check for structural damage.

Electrical Hazards and Gas Leak Risks During a Flood or Water Loss

Be sure the utilities are turned off if you must enter an area submerged in water. If you’re not sure how to properly disconnect the electricity and gas, contact your utility companies. Do not turn off the power yourself if you need to stand in water to do so—call an electrician. Likewise, do not use appliances or other electrical equipment while standing in water or if the items are wet.

Chemicals and Sewage in Flood Water

The flood water in your home or workplace may be contaminated by chemicals or sewage, posing a health threat. For this reason, children and animals should be kept out of standing water. If you will be entering the flooded area, then take precautions to protect your skin from coming in contact with potentially contaminated water by wearing rubber boots and gloves.

Contact a Plumber to identify and Fix The Source of Water Damage

After safety precautions are in place and if the water damage emergency is plumbing related, try to stop the flooding. Turn off the main water valve or the shut-off valve nearest to the water source. If you are unable to turn it off safely or you can’t find the flooding source—contact a plumber.

Act immediately to prevent further damage and mitigate the existing damage. We provide 24/7 water damage emergency service, 365 days of the year. We’ll respond promptly to assess and document your damage. We begin the restoration process by first remove standing water from your home or workplace. As the water level recedes, we begin to dry, dehumidify and clean the structure and contents.

At ServiceMaster, we will work with your insurance adjuster for your convenience and at your discretion. The entire restoration process will be documented in writing, tracked electronically along with photographs taken before, during and after the mitigation. This information is beneficial to processing your insurance claim.