Flooding does not have to be a natural disaster before you take it seriously in your home. You may not live in a flood-prone area, but a burst pipe or an overflowing washing machine can easily flood your home. They can infiltrate your home in minutes and cause damage that can last for years.
The sight of water pooling in your hallway is a nightmare during the day, but knowing exactly what to do in those first few hours is the difference between a quick recovery and a costly, drawn-out disaster. In this article, you will learn some practical actions to take in an emergency response checklist. It will help you act fast, stay safe, and protect your home’s structure, value, and livability.
- Ensure Safety First
Once you see all that water squishing on your carpet, you might be thinking of how to salvage it and your rugs. However, your priority should be ensuring the safety of you and your household. Floodwater can carry contaminants, electrical risks, and other hazards. First, you should:
- Turn off your home’s main power supply. If the water level is too high or the panel is in a flooded basement, call an electrician.
- Evacuate if the water level is too high or is contaminated.
Before any flooding incident, keep a small emergency kit in an accessible place. It should have a flashlight, batteries, waterproof boots, gloves, and essential documents.
- Stop the Source
Once safety is ensured, identify and stop the source of flooding. Not all sources, like weather-related ones, can be stopped, but once you note that the source can be stopped. Act immediately. If it’s from a burst pipe, shut off the main water valve. If it’s weather-related, work on getting your valuables above the water line. When left unchecked, flood water can soak into drywall and insulation, where they cause structural damage and mold within 48 hours. Stopping the source makes the aftermath less severe.
- Document the Damage
As counterintuitive as it may be to grab your phone while your home is underwater, you need good documentation for insurance claims. This evidence will not only support your insurance claim, but it will also help restoration professionals assess the extent of the damage.
- Extract the Water and Begin Drying
After you have shut off the source or the water is no longer rising, start the drying process immediately. You can start with mops and wet/dry vacuums to remove as much water as possible.
- Open up windows and doors for better airflow
- Use dehumidifiers and fans to speed up evaporation
However, as much as surface drying is good, it’s different from structural drying. Professional restoration services offer this service. These experts use industrial-grade equipment for water extraction, deep drying, and moisture detection. In the Midwest, where flood episodes are relatively common, water damage restoration Columbus Ohio professionals also handle mold prevention and repair of damaged materials.
- Prevent Secondary Damage
After drying, disinfect all affected areas using mild detergents. Ensure there’s no hidden moisture left. Professionals often use infrared cameras and hygrometers to track down hidden damp spots. This also helps to prevent mold early and saves you from potential health problems caused by airborne spores.
- Restore and Reinforce
Once your space is dry, assess repairs. All damaged drywall, insulation, and carpeting will need replacement. You may also need to refinish the wooden floor or replace it completely. If your area is prone to heavy rainfall or leaks, professional waterproofing solutions might work best for you. You could also explore installing a sump pump. It will save you from a lot of repairs when the next storm hits.
Over to You
You can take back control after your home gets flooded. The key is to act quickly and safely, document thoroughly, and call in professional help when needed. It saves you time and money while maintaining your home’s integrity, air quality, and resale value.
