Do You Know What to do in Case of a Flood?

Water damage can be extremely detrimental to just about any structure. We are going to explore how to prepare for a flood and what to do if your home or business has been damaged by water. But sometimes, you can have a broken pipe in your home and not even know it until you see the signs of water damage.

Signs of Damage in Walls:

Broken pipes in walls, underfloorboards, and cracks in the foundation can all cause water damage. If you suspect water damage, look for these tell-tale signs.

• Discoloration in the wall’s appearance, which can look like dark or wet spots.
• Peeling wallpaper and paint. Moisture can cause the glue in the wallpaper to weaken.
• Mold. No one wants mold, but moisture in the walls can show signs of mold.
• Soft spots on the wall. If your walls are pliable and if you can push them, you likely have water damage seeking through. The walls can look fuzzy with spots appearing to be black or green. This could be the onset of mold caused by the moisture.
• Musty odors can be caused by mold and excess moisture.

How to Prepare Your Home for a Flood?

Many people live in areas of the country where floods occur frequently due to natural disasters, storms, tornados, hurricanes, and tsunamis. If you are at risk of flooding, here are some things you can do to prepare your home for a flood according to Family Handyman.com.

• If your home is in a flood zone, make sure you have flood insurance.
• Create an emergency kit in case you need to leave your home. It should include a battery-operated radio, a first aid kit, and a flashlight. Here is the FEMA emergency supply list.
• Make sure the furnace, water heater, and any electrical panels are no less than 12 inches above the floor.
• Seal gaps in and around your home. Check around windows, doors, and areas around pipes and cables. Caulk if necessary.
• Make sure you have plywood, lumber, nails, plastic sheeting, and sandbags handy in case you need to use them to cover windows, doors, etc,
• Purchase a generator, that has enough power to run the refrigerator and other big items.

What to do if You Have Water Damage:

If you have signs of signs of water damage your best bet is to call a professional for assistance. They are experienced and know how to help you save as much as possible after a flood. There are some things you should do as soon as possible:

• Before you enter your flooded home, put on protected gear. There may be bacteria, fecal matter, and unwanted creatures living in the dampness. Use gloves, masks, and waterproof boots.
• Check the house for all the items that have been damaged, so you can file an insurance claim as soon as possible. Take videos and photos of your home to document its condition.
• Remove excess water and increase the airflow to the rooms by using elevated fans and opening the windows if there is no longer a threat of flooding/rain.
• Make sure that you turn off all the power to the home to decrease the possibility of electrocution.
• Call your insurance provider and restoration company.

Make sure that you are prepared to do everything possible to get your home back to normal, and take the necessary precautions if you live in an area where flooding is a possibility.