The effects of flood damage can be catastrophic, causing significant damage to a building’s structure, furniture, appliances, and other personal belongings. Floodwater can also carry dangerous contaminants, such as bacteria, viruses, and mold, posing serious health risks to people and pets.

Floods are among the most devastating natural disasters that can strike a home or business. Just one inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 in damage, so it is crucial to minimize the damage and quickly prevent long-term issues.

Follow these steps to ensure a safe and effective recovery from flooding damage.

Steps of Flood Recovery

Step 1. Inspect the Damage

When inspecting the damage, start with the outside of your property and work your way inside. Look for signs of structural damage, such as cracks in the foundation, warped walls, and damaged roofs. Check for damage to electrical and plumbing systems and look for signs of mold growth.

If you notice any damage, take photos or videos and document the extent of the damage. This information will be useful when filing an insurance claim.

Step 2. Contact Your Insurance Company

If you have flood insurance, contact your insurance company to report the flood damage as soon as possible. If you don’t have one, you can get assistance through FEMA’s Individual Assistance program, which provides financial aid to those who have suffered losses due to a natural disaster.

Fortunately, homeowners insurance policies typically cover water damage caused by sudden and accidental events, such as a burst pipe or a sudden, heavy rainstorm that causes flooding.

Step 3. Remove Water

Removing standing water is essential to prevent further damage and begin restoration. Use pumps or wet vacuums to remove as much water as possible. If you have a large amount of standing water, you may need help from a flood damage restoration company to remove the water.

Step 4. Dry Out Your Belongings and Home

Once the standing water has been removed, it’s time to dry out your belongings and home. Open windows and doors to increase ventilation, and use dehumidifiers, fans, and heaters to speed up the drying process. Freeze-drying is another option for restoring damaged books, documents, and other paper items. Drying out your belongings and home as quickly as possible is important to prevent mold growth.

Step 5. Check for Mold and Mildew

Act quickly and seek professional flood damage cleanup services to prevent mold and mildew growth and protect your health and property.  If the water is not promptly removed and the affected area is not thoroughly dried and cleaned, black mold and mildew can start to grow on surfaces such as walls, floors, and carpets.

Step 6. Disinfect and Sanitize

Floodwater can contain harmful bacteria and other contaminants, so it’s important to disinfect and sanitize your property to prevent the spread of disease. Use a bleach solution to disinfect surfaces, and wear gloves and protective clothing to avoid exposure to harmful contaminants.

Step 7. Repair the Flood Damage

After your belongings and home are completely dry, it’s time to repair the damage. It may include water-damaged wood floors, walls, ceilings, and electrical and plumbing systems. Again, hiring experts will ensure the repairs are done correctly and safely.

A professional water damage restoration company will have the equipment and expertise to repair structural damage, remove mold and mildew, and restore your property to its pre-flood condition. They will also be able to help you file an insurance claim and provide you with an estimate of the flood damage repair costs.

Step 8. Replace Damaged Belongings

Finally, you’ll need to replace any belongings caused by the flood. It may include furniture, appliances, and personal items. Make sure to keep all receipts for replacement items for your insurance claim.

Step 9. Consider Floodproofing Your Property

To prevent future flood or water damage, consider floodproofing your property. This may include elevating your home or business, installing flood vents or barriers, and sealing your foundation. Talk to a professional floodproofing service to determine the best floodproofing options for your property.

For Flood Damage Restoration, Trust United Restoration

United Restoration is a trusted name in the restoration industry, providing high-quality services to clients in Florida.

Our experienced technicians are available 24/7 to respond to emergencies and provide fast and effective restoration services. We use the latest technology and techniques to restore your property to its pre-flood condition as quickly as possible.

Don’t let flood damage destroy your property. Contact us today!