House Flood Damage – A Guide for Homeowners

After a flood, it's important to restore your home to good order as soon as possible to protect your health and prevent further damage to your house and belongings. Whether you do the work yourself or hire a certified restoration company, this handy checklist will help you organize the clean up.

When it comes to water cleanup, immhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifediate action is important. When it comes to water and flood damage, your home and furnishings are less likely to grow mold if they are dried within 24-48 hours.

If you decide to tackle water damage on by yourself and it becomes too much for you at any point, make sure you have the number of a trusted certified restoration company. Flood damage that is not properly taken care of and dried out and lead to bigger and more expensive problems involving mold.

IN THIS GUIDE:

We will be offering you a step-by-step action plan to remove all water, mud and other debris; dispose of contaminated household goods; rinse away contamination inside the home; remove the rinse water; clean and dry out your house and salvageable possessions.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

Put your own safety first. When it comes to house flood, the number one safety concern for homeowners is electrical shock. Avoid shock by wearing rubber boots and keeping extension cords out of the water. Shut the power off to the flooded area at the breaker box. Call your utility company, electrician or restoration company for help if needed.

RECORD THE DAMAGE:

Record details of damage, with photos or video if possible. Contact your insurance agent immediately and register with your municipality—your municipality may have resources you need, such as future financial assistance.

BE PREPARED TO GET RID OF ITEMS:

Be prepared to make difficult decisions about what to keep and what to throw out. Household items that have been contaminated by sewage, or that have been wet for a long time, will have to be bagged, tagged and discarded according to local regulations.

ASSEMBLE EQUIPMENT:

If you are attempting to cleanup water damage by yourself, you will need to gather water cleanup equipment and supplies to include the following:

-gloves, masks (N95 respirators) and other protective gearhttp://www.blogger.com
-pails, mops, squeegees and plastic garbage bags
-unscented detergent
-large containers for wet bedding and clothing,&lines to hang them to dry
-you may also need to rent extension cords, submersible pumps, wet/dry shop vacuums and dehumidifiers or heaters.

FIRST STEPS TO CLEANING UP A HOUSE FLOOD:

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