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The Ultimate Flood Cleanup Checklist and What to do After a Flood

A Guide to Flood Cleanup

A flood can be caused by any number of things, from inclement weather to faulty appliances, and when it happens, it is important to act fast. Not preparing yourself for flood cleanup can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in damage, not to mention you might unknowingly put yourself and your family in harm’s way if you haven’t taken the necessary precautions. Make sure you are prepared for a flood with a flood cleanup checklist that you will remember or can easily locate in the event of a disaster. Read on to find out what you should include in your flood cleanup checklist.

Safety First – Prevent Further Threats

Whether you left your home or not, be sure to eliminate any additional risks and hazards that may cause further damage to your home or to you. Turn off all water and electricity at the source, even if your power is already out. You will not want to risk mixing standing water with electricity when your power does turn back on. Turning off your water can also make sure you don’t add to the flood, especially if it was caused by a broken pipe or a faulty appliance. Be sure to wear waterproof boots and clothing, such as waders, as the water may be contaminated with sewage, chemicals or other pollutants.

Document the Damage

Before you begin flood cleanup and work on fixing the damage, you’ll want to take pictures and be sure to fully document the extent of the damage for your insurance claim. This can help make sure you are fully covered and don’t potentially decrease the insurance coverage by removing water or making repairs too soon.

Start Flood Cleanup

Call the experts at Stanley Steemer to start the flood clean up process by removing the standing water. Open any doors and windows that you can to encourage air flow and help to prevent mold growth. If you can safely plug in fans, this can help dry out the area as well. Mold can develop within 48 hours of a flood, so any large furniture that has been affected longer than that may not be salvageable. Removing as many affected items as possible within the first 24 hours is the best chance you have to prevent mold growth on them. Removing standing water yourself with buckets and mops is just not enough. Even though you may have removed all of the water, there may be moisture lurking within your floors, carpet and baseboards that you cannot see that’s where Stanley Steamer can help.

Call the Insurance Company

As with any type of accident or disaster, you’ll want to notify your insurer as soon as you can but after the above two precautions are taken. If you haven’t done so already, add your insurance contact in your phone in the event of an emergency, such as a flood. You’ll have to work with your insurance company to determine the extent of coverage based on the cause of the flood. Be certain to tell your insurance company how badly your home is damaged and advise them of the repairs you intend to have done right away. The insurance company may have you wait for an adjuster to arrive before you begin cleaning up anything. If it is not safe to stay in your home, let your insurance company know and make sure you leave your home fully secure, as your flood claim may not cover damage, vandalism or stolen items as a result of unsecured property.

For Professional Flood Cleanup, Contact Stanley Steemer

A lot goes into flood cleanup, which is why Stanley Steemer of South Florida is here to help you get through these trying times with water damage repair and extraction services. Our certified professionals are able to handle your flood quickly to minimize damage and get your life back on track as soon as possible. Once you’ve gone through the flood cleanup checklist, contact us today to make sure your home is fully safe and restored after a flood.

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