Unfortunately, floods are natural hazards that often occur in Colorado. They can cause significant damage to your home and property. Besides damaging physical structures and furniture, floods can also put your family’s health at risk. It is crucial to act quickly and take the necessary actions if your Colorado home has flooded. As an expert in water removal, Koala T Carpet Cleaning has compiled a list of important steps to follow if your home floods.
Ensure Your Safety First
One of the essential things to do after a flood is to ensure your safety before entering the flooded area. Floodwaters can contain harmful pollutants, including bacteria, chemicals, and waste. So, always wear protective clothing such as gloves, boots, and masks before entering the flooded area.
Contact Emergency Services
Before doing anything else, it’s essential to contact emergency services immediately. They can help you in several ways, such as providing shelter, medical assistance, and other emergency services.
Turn Off The Power
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. If water has entered your home, turn off the main power switch immediately. If you’re unsure how to do this or if it’s too hazardous to turn the switch off, contact a licensed electrician to do it for you.
Document The Damage
Make sure you document the damage by taking photos and videos of your property and belongings. This documentation will be useful when you file an insurance claim.
Water Removal
If there is still standing water in the area, you’ll need emergency water removal services to remove it immediately. A professional water restoration expert can use specialized equipment to extract standing water from a flooded area. This equipment can include powerful pumps, wet vacuums, and other tools designed for water extraction.
Dry Out Your Home
Once the standing water has been removed, the next step is to dry out the affected area. The drying process may take several days, depending on the extent of the damage. Professionals may use dehumidifiers, air movers, and heaters to speed up the drying process.
An experienced water restoration company can use advanced moisture detection technology to locate hidden pockets of water inside walls or under flooring. This technology helps prevent mold growth and additional damage that can arise from excess moisture.
Remove Damaged Items
After drying out your home, it’s time to remove damaged items such as carpet, furniture, and other belongings. You can dispose of damaged items after documenting them for insurance purposes.
Clean And Disinfect
Flood waters can leave behind dirt, bacteria, and other harmful contaminants. After removing damaged items, clean and disinfect your home thoroughly. Use a disinfectant solution to wipe down all surfaces, including walls, floors, and furniture.
Assess the Damage
If your home has been severely damaged, seeking professional help is vital. These skilled technicians have the expertise and equipment to restore your home back to its original condition. Be sure to hire a licensed and bonded contractor with experience in flood damage repairs.
Reach Out to Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible and provide them with flood damage documentation, including photos and videos. Your insurance company can guide you through the claims process and help you with the costs of the repairs.
Take Preventive Measures
Finally, take preventive measures to avoid future floods. Install flood barriers, waterproof your basement, and ensure your rain gutters are well-maintained. Keeping your home dry and protected from future flooding is essential so you don’t have to call a basement water cleanup crew again.
A flooded home can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, taking the necessary steps can help minimize the damage and reduce the risk to your health and safety. If you experience flooding in your home in Northern Colorado, Koala T Carpet Cleaning can help! Contact us immediately so we can remove the water from your home and get everything dried out. The sooner you get in touch with us, the better our chance will be to save the items in your home from water damage.