May 8, 2016 in Renovation

Flood Damage

What you Should do if Your Home has Flood Damage

 

After the Water Recedes and it’s Safe to Return

Turn off the utilities if you’ve not already done so, especially the electric, and gas.  Contact your utility service if you don’t know how.  Call your insurance company and follow there instructions before any clean up. Look for any signs of structural damge before entering your home and take lots of photographs to document the damage and how high the water level was.

Desaster Releief

Determine if the area has been designated a “Disaster Area“.  If so you may be eligible for financial aid.  Contact FEMA for more information.

Clean up

Before handling any materials it would wise to get some rubber gloves and boots.  Begin removing water soaked materials first like rugs, carpet, bedding etc.  Remove any food that came in contact with water.  Next poke holes in the drywall close to the floor to let any water drain out that may still be present inside the walls.  Use a wet vac to remove any residual water and open doors and windows to expedite the drying process.  Once power is restored floor fans can greatly speed up the drying process.

Dry Wall Removal

Next, remove all the drywall and insulation that came in contact with water.

Mold Mitigation

Mold can appear in as little as 24 hours as such should be dealt with ASAP.  A 10% bleach solution will work as a disinfectant and a non-ammonia detergent or pine oil cleaner for cleaning up and getting rid of the smell.  Remember do not mix ammonia and bleach together.  There are companies that specialize in this process and if you go that route select one who is  IICRC certified.

Secure Your Home

Secure your home so that no additional damage occurs.  Cover any roof damge with tarps and board up windows if broken.  And take lots of photo’s.