A how-to guide on repairing your home after a flood
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, approximately 5 percent of the American population lives in the coastal floodplain along the east or west coast of the United States. This means that there are millions of Americans who have to be prepared on any given day to face the tremendous damage that a flood can bring to your home.
Flood Damage and Your Home
Floods are not covered by traditional insurance policies. They cause extreme water damage to the household, often destroying the flooring, walls and integrity of the home's foundation, not to mention the damage they can bring to the many belongings within the home. People and animals who are trapped within the home during the time of the flood are in danger of experiencing injury or even fatalities as a result of the water.
Yet, when the water recedes, the problems do not go away. Even after the rain stops and the floods wash away there is still damage to the home. If you experience flooding in your home, then it is in your best interest to act as fast as possible to reduce the amount of damage to your home and to return your life to normal as soon as possible.
At Home Flood Recovery
There are many things that you can do yourself to restore your home after a flood. However, do-it-yourself tips may only take you so far, especially if the damage is significant. Flood recovery machine rental in Seattle, Washington can help make the process a lot easier and more efficient. Although, even in renting a flood recovery machine there are still things you will want to do yourself to ensure the most optimal recovery.
Steps for home recovery after a flood:
The first step to recover from home flooding is to remove as much water from your home as possible. This will mean using a flood recovery machine to pump the water out, or using other methods to get as much water as possible out of your home. Remember, the longer the water stands the more damage will develop.
The next step is to salvage everything that you think will survive the water damage. Move any furniture out of the standing water and search through your belongings. Throw away what can be purged and focus on the items in your home that experienced the least damage to ensure that you can continue to use them. Things like kitchen appliances and electronics will likely not survive much flood damage, and should not be connected to an electricity source ever again.
Once you have assessed the damage, salvaged your belongings and removed all standing water, the next step is to start cleaning and rebuilding as necessary. Use mold removal cleaners and mop up all mud and remaining water throughout your home. Drying off your belongings and restoring your home to order after a flood can help you reclaim some normalcy in your life following the natural disaster.
A special note: a professional cleanup crew is absolutely essential if "black water" or sewage water enters your home during a flood. It is not safe to remain in your home while any of your belongings are contaminated by sewage.
Finally, use stain and paint to cover any damage to wood or drywall in your home. This will remove the appearance of a leak in the ceiling where flood waters had previously been. As you move on with your life following the flood, remember to be incredibly cautious of mold build-up. Mold is somewhat common after flooding thanks to the massive amount of water that entered your home. Many forms of mold can make you and your family sick, so be wary not to allow it to develop in your own home.
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