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Floods can cause serious damage to your home and put your family’s health at risk. Being prepared and knowing what to do when your home floods can help minimise the impacts. This guide outlines key steps to take to protect your safety and your property.
Assess the Situation and Call for Help
The first priority is to make sure everyone is safe. Evacuate any unsafe areas and get to higher ground. Call emergency services if anyone is injured or in immediate danger. Alert your local fire department if any electrical or gas equipment is affected. If you have a basement, it’s a good idea to proactively protect your home from flooding with a sump pump that will kick in when the water reaches a certain level.
Document the Damage
Take photos and videos of all affected areas before cleaning up. This creates a record you can use for insurance claims later. Make a list of damaged or lost items and keep receipts for any flood-related costs.
Turn Off Utilities
Switch off electricity at the main fuse box to prevent electrocution and fires. Shut off gas valves if there is flooding around gas appliances. Turn off the water supply. Do not use appliances, sockets, or switches if they have been underwater until a professional can assess them.
Clean and Disinfect
Floodwater can contain sewage, chemicals and other contaminants. Anything touched by floodwater will need disinfecting. Wear protective clothing like gloves, goggles and masks. Remove soft furnishings and anything else that got wet. Clean hard surfaces with hot soapy water and disinfectants. Allow the property to fully dry out before rebuilding.
Get Professional Inspections
Have professionals check the property thoroughly before reoccupying it. Electricians need to ensure the electrical system is safe. Plumbers should check for leaks or damage. You may need qualified contractors to repair structural damage. Your insurance company can also advise on necessary inspections and repairs after a flood.
Prevent Mould Growth
Excess moisture encourages mould growth, which can have serious health impacts. Dry out the property as quickly as possible using dehumidifiers and fans. Discard porous items like carpets and mattresses if they were soaked. Be sure to wear protective gear when cleaning up mould. You may need mould remediation by professionals for serious infestations.
Make Insurance Claims
Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after a flood to start your claim. Provide documentation of the damage and keep records of repair costs and expenses related to the flood. Find out what your policy covers and what claims procedures you need to follow. Be aware of claim deadlines – most insurance policies have a time limit to submit flood damage claims.
Implement Protective Measures
There are steps you can take to prepare your home against future flooding. For example, you can install backflow valves to prevent sewage backflows. You may also want to waterproof your basement and use flood barriers at entry points. Consider also elevating any electrical sockets and valuables above flood level. Lastly, keep an emergency kit with drinking water, first aid supplies, a radio and important documents on hand.
Knowing what to do when floods hit can reduce the impacts on your home and family.
