The damage from flooding water is extremely destructive and dangerous. If not handled quickly and correctly, you not only put your home at risk of more damages but you also put yourself in harm’s way. Since most people have not had to respond to flooding in their Corona home, it can be overwhelming and you may not be sure what to do. To ensure the best results you need to take the right actions right away. Here are some guidelines for how to respond to water damage from a flood.
Call a restoration company. Most restoration professionals are on call 24/7 to help you secure your property, clean up the mess, and repair and rebuild your property. The first steps you take will set the tone for the entire cleanup process, so be sure you have a professional on your side to ensure a successful flood damage cleanup and restoration.
Contact your insurance agency. Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover water damage from natural disasters, so it is a good idea to add a flood insurance policy. Regardless of what coverage you may or may not have, you should still reach out to your insurance and let them know what has happened. You should also let your insurance know that you are working with a restoration company to mitigate damage and begin flood cleanup as soon as possible.
Do not enter a storm-flooded home until a qualified structural engineer, builder, or restoration professional has cleared it. Structural integrity, harmful contaminants, and potential electric shock are all dangers that accompany flooded areas; do not risk putting yourself in harm’s way.
Take appropriate safety steps. If able, turn off power and gas sources. Keep children and pets out of the flooded area, and treat all water as if it is contaminated. Wear personal protective equipment if you have to be in contact with the water, but try to avoid contact at all costs.
Document the damage. Take photos or videos of the damage your property has ensued for insurance purposes to prove loss mitigation before you begin cleanup.
Open doors and windows to allow ventilation. Airflow can help discourage microbial growth and spread.
Remove standing items that can be taken out of the affected area.
Let the restoration team at PRC handle the cleanup process from start and finish.
Remember that floodwater is considered category 3 water, or black water. Blackwater is grossly contaminated water that can cause serious health problems and symptoms on contact or ingestion. Floodwater from streams, canals, rivers, sewer lines, and the toilet (containing feces) are all considered black water. All contact with black water should be avoided, especially if you do not have the proper protective equipment. Personal protective equipment and safe extraction are extremely important when removing black water. Extensive disinfecting is required to ensure that your home and salvageable belongings are adequately cleaned and all harmful bacteria, spores, and impurities are removed and cannot spread. PRC has professionals with the proper training, equipment, protection, techniques, and licensing, and is ready to respond to your water damage emergency as soon as possible.
