The danger of flood waters doesn’t disappear once the water slows or subsides. The water itself can be contaminated (even if it’s clear), and the moisture left behind often encourages mold to grow in homes, buildings and other structures.
Understanding how to recover from a flood is vital to protecting yourself, those around you and your possessions.
Tips for recovering from a flood
The first 24 hours after a flood are crucial. Here are a few ways to use that time to salvage as much as possible.
Check for structural damage. Whether you left your home or not, checking for structural damage is a good idea. Look for cracks in the foundation, loose or warped wood or damage to walls.
Contact the utility company. Contact your utility company if you suspect damage to the electrical, plumbing, gas lines or sewer. They will give you proper directions on how to proceed based on your situation.
Turn off the electricity. Mixing water and electricity is never a good idea. Turn off your electrical even if the power isn’t operating to avoid injury should the power be restored unexpectedly.
Take pictures. Your insurance company will want proof of any damage. Include photos that show any standing water and other damage. Even if the water has subsided, you should still be able to see a line on the wall showing how high the water rose.
Call your insurance company. The sooner you alert your insurance company, the better. Let them know you have photos and ask if there is any other information you should provide before you begin the clean-up process.
Begin the clean-up process and dry out your home. Mold can begin to develop within 24 to 48 hours, so it’s crucial to remove water and excess moisture from your home as quickly as possible.
Tips for drying your home
Pump standing water. Pumping out standing water is the first step in drying out your home. Unless you experience flood waters frequently, consider renting a pump as a more affordable option.
Move rugs and furniture outside to dry in the sun. Items like rugs, sofas, mattresses or anything else that holds moisture should be moved outside. This will allow them to dry faster and give you more space to work inside. It’s important to note that most furniture, such as sofas and mattresses, are thick and have difficulty drying entirely and often must be replaced.
Remove wet insulation under the house. If you have a crawlspace, there will be insulation under your floor. Remove any wet insulation and discard it. This will help your floors dry more rapidly.
Set up fans and open windows. Airflow is essential to lowering mold risk and drying out your home. Still, don’t expect it to happen overnight; it can take two to four weeks to dry completely.
Freeze your books. After approximately 48 hours, items become more difficult to salvage. Freezing papers or books can help preserve them until you have the time to dry them out properly, although you may want dry things like birth certificates or other important documents immediately.
You may experience anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges after a flood. Reach out to a counselor or professionally lead group for additional guidance and support.
