Flooding from storms or broken plumbing fixtures can result in a huge mess and a long water damage repair process. But the faster you respond to flooding, the less time it will take to get back to a normal home. To help you in your time of need, Maven Construction Group provides these flooded house tips.
When the waters are rising, depend on Maven Restoration to bail you out with emergency water removal! Contact our general contractors today to request a quote for our water removal services.
Protect Yourself
Flooding can be dangerous, whether a storm or leak causes it, but weakened infrastructure from storm damage and roof damage can pose safety risks. In this case, it’s best to clear the area once the storm has passed and it’s safe. Even if you know your building is safe, water from flooding can act as a powerful conduit for electricity from downed lines or electrical components in your home. If you can safely access your breaker box, turn off the electricity to your home before beginning any clean-up efforts. Flip the electricity off even if the power is out, so you aren’t caught in a dangerous situation should it come back on.
Contact The Right People
If you are injured, you should immediately call 911. If you are worried about a live downed power line, contact the power and light company or the local authorities. Once you’re safe, you should contact your insurance company to alert them of the situation so you can begin the process of submitting an insurance claim for a property inspection and repairs. In addition to contacting your home owner’s or renter’s insurance company, you should also contact your landlord if you rent.
Take Pictures
It’s essential to document any visible damage to submit to your insurance and/or landlord, including roof damage (as seen from the safety of the ground), structural damage to walls, flooring, and windows, the source of the flooding, and anything else that looks even slightly out of place. It’s important to make documentation before you begin any clean-up efforts so that the pictures show exactly what it looked like after it happened. If you need to move anything for safety reasons, be sure to note that as well.
Clean Up
Once your insurer has given the go-ahead, begin cleaning up. Depending on the amount of the water, you may be able to remove it by yourself with a sump pump, or you may require a professional flood water removal service. If there is sewage water or water from toilets, do not try cleaning up the area on your own as you can be exposed to dangerous bacteria. If the water is not from sewage sources, try to remove the water as fast as you safely can. Also, be sure to dry your possessions out as you go so that you can salvage as much as possible. Once the water is removed, water damage restoration and reconstruction services can begin if necessary.
Prevent Mold
Once the water is removed, you will need to keep consistent airflow in the areas that experienced flooding. This will help to prevent mildew and mold from growing. Even if you’re vigilant about deterring mold growth, water damage behind the walls or under flooring can still cause mold to flourish. Leaving mold can cause a host of upper respiratory issues, so make sure to schedule mold removal as soon as you notice any signs. Signs of mold include the following.
- Peeling Wallpaper
- Dark-Colored Spots On The Wall Or Flooring
- Musty Smells
- Cold-Like Symptoms That Don’t Go Away
- Frequent Sneezing Or Runny Nose
Trusted, Experienced Professionals
Locally owned and operated in Gainesville, FL, Maven Construction Group is a licensed general contractor, Angie’s List Certified Contractor, and is accredited and A-rated by the Better Business Bureau. Maven has delivered the best damage restoration and reconstruction services in North Central Florida for more than 15 years.
Certified General Contractor Lic # CGC1519003 Certified Mold Remediation Lic # MRSR2344