Flooding impacts millions of American homes each year, whether it’s from unforeseen accidents, poor home maintenance, or natural disasters. No matter the cause, flooding can be a nightmare for homeowners. If you ever experience flood damage in Springfield Missouri, follow these tips to help get your life back to normal as soon as possible.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Right after the flood, call your insurance company. Do not throw anything away until it has first been inspected by the insurance company. Create an inventory of everything that is damaged or lost and take as many photos as possible. When you file your flood insurance claim, be sure to include a complete list of the damaged items, photos, and your contact information.
Do not get into direct contact with the floodwater as it is likely contaminated. If there is sewage backing up into the shower or toilet, it could be an issue with the main sewer line, which means you need to call the utility company immediately.
Check for any damage to the home, inside and out, and be aware of any hazards like fallen power lines. Any standing water could be electrically charged if the power lines are damaged.
Shut Off Utilities
Shut off the utilities immediately if there is any suspected damage and it’s safe to do so. Here’s how to shut them off:
- Water – Look for the master valve, typically in the basement or garage. It may also be near the water heater or outside the home.
- Electricity – There should be the main circuit breaker mounted on a wall, generally in the basement. Make sure it’s safe to get to the circuit box and bring a flashlight for once the power is off. Turn off the main switch inside the panel, but if you see frayed wiring or sparks, call the utility company immediately.
- Gas – Locate the shutoff valve that’s typically between the ground and the meter. It could also be on the service line between the meter and the house.
Once the utilities are turned off, wait for approval from local authorities to turn them on again.
Save Flood-Damaged Belongings
It may be possible to save flood-damaged belongings, but standing water needs to be removed fast, and the area should be completely dried as fast as possible. Depending on the type of flooding, the belongings, and how long they have been wet, items in the home like walls, furniture, and carpeting may need to be discarded.
Anything salvageable must be disinfected quickly to prevent the growth of mold. Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours after flooding occurs.
Call In The Professionals
The best plan for water damage restoration in Springfield Missouri is to hire a professional company to clean up the standing water and help save as many items in the home as possible. Our professional water damage experts are trained in property restoration, so we know how to minimize the loss after a flood.
If you ever experience water damage from flooding in your home, no matter the cause, call the professionals at PuroClean Certified Restoration for an estimate.