After The Flood
After a flood passes through your Pennsylvania town, it can leave a lot of devastation and damage. Now you are left with a flood-ravaged home, and you must decide what actions you should take in repairing your home, removing the flood damage, and documenting everything. Right now is a stressful time, but you will get through it. Your home will be restored, and you’ll be even more prepared for the next time storms and flooding come your way.
Contact Your Flood Insurance Agent
If you have flood insurance, it is a great idea to contact your flight insurance agent. However, since your local agent likely has many other flood insurance claims, be patient; there are many families with flood damage just like you. If it’s the weekend and your insurance agency is unavailable, you should consider doing the following.
Risks To Be Aware Of In Your Flooded Home
There are a few risks to be aware of when your home goes through a flood. Approach each of these with caution.
- Electrical Risks: With the water levels rising, there is a higher risk of electrocution. Make sure you safely turn off your electricity when water levels surpass your wiring. Do not stand in water when turning off your electricity.
- Foundation Risks: If your home had questionable foundation issues before the flood, rushing water could have severely impaired the structural integrity of your home. Make sure your home is safe to enter.
- Dirt & Debris: There is a reason you don’t swim in the nearby river, especially if you are near the Schuylkill River or Susquehannah. You stay out of Pennsylvania rivers because of the trash and pollution. When waters rise, there is even more trash and debris that is picked up in the floodwaters. If your home is filled with water and flood debris, be very careful not to get a cut or infection from the water.
Getting The Water Out Of Your Home
If you weathered the storm and remained at your flooded home, it is time to start getting the water out of your house. Having a sump pump to remove water from your basement is the most crucial first step. You were likely using your sump pump throughout the storm, but water levels can get too high at some point. Take note of where the water level reached in your home and everything that could be damaged. Also know drywall should be replaced well above the waterline since the water can soak up the wall.
After you pump the water out of your basement, take the drying specific items. It is a good idea to place anything that was destroyed outside of your home. Getting a dumpster is an excellent idea if you sustained a large amount of water damage. If water remains in your home for as little as 24-48 hours, mold can start to develop. Mold can be more damaging than a flood, so you want to ensure your home is protected from mold damage.
Entering Your Flooded Home
If the flooding was so terrible that you had to leave your home, you should prepare for entering a home that isn’t the same one you left. Consider having your kids go to a friend’s or family member’s house. Remember to be aware of the risks of electrocution, foundation risks, and dirt and debris risk.
Cleaning Your Flooded Home
Open up the windows and turn on fans to dry out your walls and carpets. Throw out food or materials that were destroyed by the water. You will need to make sure electrical appliances are fully dry before turning them on or plugging them in.
Documenting Flood Damage To Your Home
Documenting the damage from the flood is so essential. If you do not confirm what was damaged and lost in the flood, you will not be able to receive coverage on those items. In addition, flood insurance varies, so some of the things might not be covered. Having a complete extensive list of everything that was damaged in the recent flood will help you and your home.
Prepare For The Next Flood
Now that you have experienced a flood in your home, you know your house is susceptible to flooding. Even if you are not in a flood zone, you should consider getting flood insurance. One of the benefits of not being in a flood zone and having flood insurance is the coverage is extremely cheap. Make sure you are prepared for the next flood in your Pennsylvania home
