What to Do When Your House Floods: A Simple Guide
Are you trying to figure out what to do when your house floods? If yes, you should check out our guide here on the key things to know and steps to take.
In 2019, over 14 million Americans were affected by flooding. 200 million more were at risk of floods.
Flooding is among the most common and devastating disasters that affect families around the country. The causes of this menace include heavy rains, sewer back-ups, burst pipes, and malfunctioning sump pumps.
No matter what has caused the problem, it’s essential to know what to do when your house floods. The earlier you address the issue, the better the chance you have of reducing the amount of damage it will cause.
Unfortunately, many people don’t know what to do in the face of a flooding house. It’s the reason we’ve prepared this helpful guide. Below, we tell you what to do if your house floods.
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Locate the Source and Stop the Flow
Assuming the flooding isn’t caused by an act of nature, the first thing you need to do is look for the source of the water and seal it up or turn it off. Numerous cases of flooding are caused by broken pipes or leaking taps. Go to the main water valve in the house and turn it off.
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Turn Off the Power
Once you’ve stopped the flow of water, turn off every electrical system in your house. Be careful not to walk through water to the fuse box as the water may have electric currents.
What if you cannot access the fuse box without walking through water? Well, the best solution is to call an electrician.
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Evacuate the House
Where flooding is caused by a sewage leak or an act of nature, evacuate your home right away. Find a dry and safe spot outside your property, such as your backyard or a friend’s house. Ensure that everyone, including your kids, friends, and pets who may have been on the premises is accounted for.
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Call for Help
As soon as all of you are in a safe place, call for help. If anyone got hurt, contact 911 right away. Resist the temptation to go back to the flooded house to rescue anything; the damage has been done.
If you live in a rental house, contact your landlord for assistance. But if you’re a homeowner, call your insurer and notify them that your house has suffered water damage. Check out this article from Better Flood for more details on flood insurance.
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Document Everything
After the flood, you probably can’t wait to get started with the cleanup process. Before you do, however, make sure that you’ve documented all the damage so you can show your insurer. You can do through photographs and video.
Know What to Do When Your House Floods
Being the victim of a flood can be a harrowing experience. However, if you know what to do when your house floods, you can help minimize the loss and hasten the recovery process.
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