Taking the First Steps Toward Flood Recovery | SERVPRO® of Pueblo
3/8/2022 (Permalink)
Having your home damaged in a flood is a devastating experience, and a quick post-flood recovery is generally the top priority for those affected.
While it is understandable that this is important, it is also essential to be sure you are taking the right first steps and prioritizing your safety during the process. By making yourself aware of what steps to take, you can better prepare for and react to a flooding event in your area.
The First Steps for Flood Recovery
Avoid further safety hazards.
It is logical to want to immediately return home and get to work after a flood, but waiting for local officials to deem it safe is essential. Floodwaters can hide many lurking dangers, and returning to impacted areas prematurely can expose you to many hazards you may not be aware of.
Air out the home.
In addition to the damage from the flood specifically, impacted homeowners must also deal with the possibility of mold growth in their homes. Mold is an airborne fungus, and it thrives in areas that are moist with stale air. Circulating fresh air through your house is a good preventative for this—while it will not stop the growth entirely, it can significantly reduce it and make the air healthier to breathe as you begin the cleanup.
Document the damages.
Most homeowners want to start their cleanup process right away in a flood’s aftermath, but it is important to do your due diligence in the documentation before you begin removing items or cleaning up. Take ample photos of every room that has been impacted and make a detailed inventory list of all the items that have been damaged before you get started.
Contact your restoration and insurance companies right away.
If you have purchased flood insurance for your home, you will want to start the process of filing a claim right away to expedite it. Another thing to expedite is the restoration—leaving flood damage untreated can cause it to get worse, so call your restoration company right away after you discover the damage.
If your Pueblo, CO home has been damaged in a flood, we are here for you. You can contact us 24/7 to receive a quick response and set the restoration process in motion.