Your home flooded? Here’s your next steps to clean up the damage

Navigate flood damage cleanup safely and effectively with these key steps, from assessment to renovation.

A roadmap for flood damage recovery

A flood can be devastating, leaving you with a messy cleanup job and extensive damage to your beloved home. As your trusted water damage and mold remediation contractor, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath can feel. But remember, your safety is paramount, and by following these steps, you can efficiently manage the cleanup process and restore your home to its former glory.

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Be sure to prioritize your safety

If your home flooded in a major way, like in a natural disaster like a hurricane or river flood, make sure it is safe before venturing back into your home. Wear protective gear like rubber gloves, waterproof boots, and face masks to shield yourself from potential hazards like electrical equipment, contaminants, sharp debris, or mold spores. If you smell gas or notice downed power lines, immediately contact your utility company.

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It’s Important to Document the Damage

Before initiating cleanup, document the damage for insurance purposes. Use your smartphone or a camera to take detailed photos or videos of the affected areas. Catalogue any damaged items, noting their brand, price, and purchase date when possible. This record will support your claim and speed up the compensation process.

Take detailed photos
Catalogue damaged items
Contact your insurance

Dry Out Your Home

It's crucial to dry out your home as soon as possible to prevent mold growth, which can begin within 24 to 48 hours of a flood. Pump out standing water using submersible pumps or a wet/dry vacuum. Then, use dehumidifiers and fans to speed up the drying process. Open all doors and windows to increase ventilation.

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Getting your home dry is of utmost importance. The quicker you get it dry the lower the chances of mold growth.

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Sort Through Your Belongings

This can be a painful process, but you'll need to separate salvageable items from those beyond repair. Anything soaked by floodwater, especially porous materials like mattresses, carpets, or stuffed toys, may need to be discarded due to potential contamination.

Clean and Disinfect

Once water and damaged items are removed, it's time to clean and disinfect. Scrub all hard surfaces with hot water and heavy-duty cleaner, then disinfect with a solution of 1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water. Be careful to avoid mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaners, as it can produce toxic gases.

Contact a Professional Restoration Company

At this stage, it's time to call in the professionals. A reputable water damage and mold remediation contractor has the necessary training, experience, and tools to restore your home. They can thoroughly clean, dry, and disinfect your property, ensuring all traces of moisture and mold are eliminated.

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Reach Out to Your Insurance Company

Submit your claim to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with the evidence you gathered, including photos, videos, and an inventory of damaged items. If you've hired a restoration company, they can often assist with the insurance claims process.

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Begin Repairs and Renovations

Once cleanup is complete and your claim is approved, you can begin repairing and renovating your home. This process may take some time, but it's an opportunity to make improvements, fix potential flaws, and make your home even better than before.

The aftermath of a flood can be physically and emotionally taxing. But with a structured approach, support from professional water damage and mold remediation services, and patience, you can navigate this challenging time and come out stronger on the other side. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and help is just a call away.