What should you do when your house or business floods? Who do you call? While it might feel overwhelming there are a few simple things to keep in mind.
- Is The Electricity On?
- Is Your Home Safe?
- Document The Damage
- Clean Up The Mud
- Make Phone Calls
Electricity & Water Don’t Mix
When discovering water damage, your first concern should be for your safety. Remember, water and electricity are a deadly combination. If the power is still on, the risk of electrocution is extremely high. If the power is out, make sure to keep it off until the home has been inspected by an electrician. Either way, contact your electrical utility before entering the home.
How Badly Is The Building Damaged?
Is the home structurally sound and safe to enter? If not, don’t go in. It’s not worth risking your life. Another danger comes from gas. If you smell gas or hear hissing sounds, get out. Do not use any open flames until you can be sure that there aren’t any gas leaks or trapped gas. Contact your gas utility – after you’ve safely exited the home.
Take Pictures Of Everything
Once your home is safe to enter, the drying out process begins. Be careful entering as hidden damage is common, including damage to foundations. If you have flood insurance, take extensive pictures to document the damage. Everything that got wet must be either thrown away or cleaned and disinfected. Remember, floodwaters often contain sewage and chemicals. Throw away all food, even canned food, that has come in contact with the floodwaters.
If you have a flood-damaged septic system, cesspool, or leaching system, get that serviced right away because these damaged systems are serious health hazards.
GET RID OF THE MUD
Before drying out the home, get rid of the mud. This is best done before it dries. Shovel out as much as possible and then hose the home down – making sure that the electricity is off. You will later need an electrician to replace any damaged outlets. Don’t forget to hose out any heating or air conditioning ducts that have been.
Call An Expert
While much of the work for cleaning up and fixing your home or business after a flood can be done without expert help, letting the experts deal with the water and flood damage, your insurance, and all of the clean-up is the safer, less stressful solution. Supraclean water damage serves San Jose and the entire Bay Area and offers 24 hours service. Let us take care of the mess and restoration so you can get back to your life as soon as possible.
