While rain is essential for our ecosystem, our homes are severely damaged by it at times. One problem that occurs much too often is basement flooding. When you find that your basement is flooded, what do you do? Here are some steps you can take:
Get in touch with your home insurance agent. They are experience in these matters, and can recommend a restoration company that has the proper tools and know how to resolve the situation. Receipts from repairs should be kept in your files.
Windows should be opened so that air is allowed to flow. Turn off the electricity, if water is approaching the level of the electrical outlets, or if you see sparks, frayed wires, or power cords submerged in the water. Never step in the water if you see these dangers. Talk to your local power company to find out the correct procedure to keep you safe.
Windows should be opened if gas odor is present or there is a sound of hissing. If you needed to shut the gas off, hire an expert to turn it on again. If you don't know if the basement is safe, do not go down there. Rubber boots, safety glasses, a mask, and gloves are important to wear for your protection during cleanup. Sometimes sewage gets in the flood water, and dangerous bacteria is present.
Take photos of any damage to show to your insurance provider. If it's safe, take your property out of the basement. The quicker you can get your things out of the water, the less damaged your items will be.
Remove the water using rags, mops, or a wet/dry vacuum. Rugs on the floor need to be rolled back, and if they're wet, take them out to dry. Use fans and/or dehumidifiers to reduce dampness and speed drying.
Common Questions
Q. If it's only a couple of inches of water, will the drywall be alright?
A. No, it won't. Water moves up the drywall for a few feet, and if there is insulation in the wall, it's even worse. Mold will form on the backside of drywall, so you won't be able to see it. Cutting out and replacing the drywall is the only option.
Q. If there is mold in the home, what would be the negative health effects?
A. Symptoms include clogged sinuses, headaches, and difficulty breathing, and for those who have compromised immune systems or allergies, it's intensified. You may not be able to see mold growing, but it could be there under the carpet or behind the drywall. It's crucial that mold does not begin to flourish. Mold grows very quickly.
If you have insurance, you have a responsibility to minimize the damages caused by the flooding. Protecting your home from further damage should be your highest concern, of course after you consider safety. Hold on to your damaged belongings so that the damage can be reviewed by your insurance adjuster.
Water damage is included in the majority of home insurance policies, but there are exclusions, so be informed about what they are. If you would like the best possible protection from water damage, ask your insurance provider to add this on to the policy on your home.
Get in touch with your home insurance agent. They are experience in these matters, and can recommend a restoration company that has the proper tools and know how to resolve the situation. Receipts from repairs should be kept in your files.
Windows should be opened so that air is allowed to flow. Turn off the electricity, if water is approaching the level of the electrical outlets, or if you see sparks, frayed wires, or power cords submerged in the water. Never step in the water if you see these dangers. Talk to your local power company to find out the correct procedure to keep you safe.
Windows should be opened if gas odor is present or there is a sound of hissing. If you needed to shut the gas off, hire an expert to turn it on again. If you don't know if the basement is safe, do not go down there. Rubber boots, safety glasses, a mask, and gloves are important to wear for your protection during cleanup. Sometimes sewage gets in the flood water, and dangerous bacteria is present.
Take photos of any damage to show to your insurance provider. If it's safe, take your property out of the basement. The quicker you can get your things out of the water, the less damaged your items will be.
Remove the water using rags, mops, or a wet/dry vacuum. Rugs on the floor need to be rolled back, and if they're wet, take them out to dry. Use fans and/or dehumidifiers to reduce dampness and speed drying.
Common Questions
Q. If it's only a couple of inches of water, will the drywall be alright?
A. No, it won't. Water moves up the drywall for a few feet, and if there is insulation in the wall, it's even worse. Mold will form on the backside of drywall, so you won't be able to see it. Cutting out and replacing the drywall is the only option.
Q. If there is mold in the home, what would be the negative health effects?
A. Symptoms include clogged sinuses, headaches, and difficulty breathing, and for those who have compromised immune systems or allergies, it's intensified. You may not be able to see mold growing, but it could be there under the carpet or behind the drywall. It's crucial that mold does not begin to flourish. Mold grows very quickly.
If you have insurance, you have a responsibility to minimize the damages caused by the flooding. Protecting your home from further damage should be your highest concern, of course after you consider safety. Hold on to your damaged belongings so that the damage can be reviewed by your insurance adjuster.
Water damage is included in the majority of home insurance policies, but there are exclusions, so be informed about what they are. If you would like the best possible protection from water damage, ask your insurance provider to add this on to the policy on your home.
About the Author:
For further details, please visit this blog, or if you're a first time home buyer visit www.squareoneinsurance.ca.
0 التعليقات:
إرسال تعليق