
Flooding
is becoming more commonplace - and more expensive. You can't
always stop it from happening but you can minimize its effects
Here
are some tips to help you deal with a flood.
After
the Flood
Play
it safe: The dangers are not over when the water
goes down. Your home’s foundation may have been weakened,
the electrical system may have shorted out, and floodwaters
may have left behind things that could make you sick. When
in doubt, throw it out. Don’t risk injury or infection.
Take
Care of Yourself: First Protect yourself and your
family from stress, fatigue, and health hazards that follow
a flood.
Give Your Home First Aid: Once it is safe
to go back in, protect your home and contents from further
damage.
Stop the flow of water: This may include turning
off the water supply and/or contacting a plumber.
Fresh water: Remove wet pad to allow carpet to dry. Carpet
that is wet from clean water can usually be dried, cleaned
and relayed over new pad.
Sewer backup: Remove areas of wet pad and wet carpet. Areas
connecting to, but not wet, should not be removed at this
time. The claim representative will evaluate and provide specific
instructions.
Get Organized: Some things are not worth
repairing and some things may be too complicated or expensive
for you to do by yourself. A recovery plan can take these
things into account and help you make the most of your time
and money.
Dry Out Your Home: Floodwaters damage materials,
leave mud, silt and unknown contaminants, and promote the
growth of mildew. You need to dry your home to reduce these
hazards and the damage they cause. Fans may be used to facilitate
drying of the carpet. Furniture may be moved to dry rooms
or put on blocks to keep dry and prevent the carpet from staining.
Clean Up: The walls, floors, closets, shelves, contents and
any other flooded parts of your home should be thoroughly
washed and disinfected.
Click
Here for our Complete PDF: Before and After a Flood
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