As a property owner, you need to be prepared for any eventuality. You should know the possible risks your property may encounter and have a contingency plan in place. You can take out a comprehensive insurance policy to cover everything, including force majeure situations, so you have a fallback just in case the worst-case scenario happens. It’s always better to be ready.
If it suddenly floods in your area, you best have your wits about you because it can be pretty overwhelming. You need to know what steps to follow to keep yourself and your loved ones safe, and so you can salvage your property.
Here are the steps you need to consider:
Locate the source
Locate the source of the flooding. Unless the floods are generated by a tropical storm or hurricane, turn the water off, don’t empty the bathtub now, and seal the leaks you find as quickly as possible. The best way to do so is to turn off the water main, so you must know where it’s situated.
Turn off the electricity
The next thing you need to consider is to turn off the electricity. If it’s a natural calamity, chances are the authorities will already have turned the electricity off, but if it’s a man-made situation, you need to turn the fuse off. However, don’t try to wade through the floodwaters as you may get electrocuted. Call an electrician should this happen.
Call for professional help
The next thing you have to do is seek the help of experts. Several companies offer such services. If you haven’t got any idea how they can help you, you can click to read about flood damage restoration procedures here. You’ll also get an idea about their services, reviews, and possible rates if you choose to hire them.
Evacuate the premises
Once you’ve ensured that you’ve turned off the electricity, it’s time to evacuate the premises. First, you need to locate a safe and dry space. It could be as near as your backyard or neighbor’s house, or if there’s a natural disaster, you need to follow authorities and move to a temporary shelter. Finally, you need to ensure that someone will transport your family members to a safe place.
Document everything and suit up
Once you’re given the go-ahead signal to re-enter the premises, you need to suit up with the proper safety outfit to document everything you see. This will help you well when facing the claims adjuster that your insurance company will send to approve your claim. Take as many pictures as you can while assessing the viability of some areas and furniture. You can also start to secure other valuables you may have left behind during the evacuation.
Start the cleanup process
After documenting things, you need to coordinate with the flood damage restoration company to start the cleanup process. They’ll have to remove all the standing water, dry the surfaces and ensure no mold will start to grow on your porcelain tile.
Takeaway
When you find yourself faced with a flooding situation, don’t fret. However, you need to prepare and be able to react quickly to keep your family and property safe.
