One of the most frequent natural disasters that can seriously harm homes and other properties is flooding. They are also very expensive to recover from. According to Statista, in 2022 floods in the US cost more than $13 billion due to damage. This cost may go up as more people move to areas where floods happen often.
In case you find your home got affected by flooding, you should start the cleaning process when the water comes below to prevent damage ahead. But what can you do after a flood occurs and how can you keep your home safe in the future? Check out the essential tips given below that help homeowners stay safe and healthy from floods.
Post-Flood Home Maintenance Tips
1. Give First Priority to Your Safety
First of all, make sure that you stay safe. Only go back home when the people in charge say it is okay and be careful. Do not rush into your house because there might be things that could hurt you. When you do go in, be on the lookout for power lines that have fallen down, gas that might be leaking, water that is still there, and any damage to the building. Turn off your power if you think it is unsafe. Make sure that you wear protective gear like rubber boots and gloves when you walk around or inside your home simply to prevent injuries. In case you get any minor injuries, always keep a first aid kit nearby.
2. Check Water Quality
The water becomes dirty after a flood as it contains germs, chemicals, and sewage. It will make people sick. It is important to test the water to make sure that it is completely safe. You can ask your local health department to get help or find a lab that can test it. It is better to use bottled water for drinking and cooking till the time you know the water is safe. If your home well or water tank gets flooded, it is better not to use it anymore. You will need to get it cleaned, disinfected, and tested by someone who knows what they are doing before you can use it again. You can use a professional water tank cleaning service before using the water for daily use.
3. Check for Mold Issues
After a flood, mold can quickly start growing usually within a day or two, especially in places that are damp and warm. It can get into walls, carpets, and furniture. It is a big problem because it can make your home weaker and make you sick. You might not always see mold because it hides in places like behind walls or under floors. But you might notice a musty smell, see some discoloration on surfaces, or feel worse if you have allergies. If you think you have mold, it is important to contact the professional mold treatment services near you. They know how to get rid of it safely and can stop it from coming back.
4. Clean Your Home Thoroughly
It is time to clean your house now. This is a crucial step because mold can grow in the water and cause illness if you leave it in that situation. Take out anything that got wet and start drying everything out. You can use heaters, fans, and dehumidifiers to dry the things. The cleaning process after a flood is a tough task without a doubt. Thus, consider seeking help from experts who are experienced in post-flood cleaning. They can do this job effectively and safely as they have the right tools to do it.
5. Repair and Renovate Your Home
Once everything is dry and clean, it is time to fix and improve your home if it needs it. This could include installing new walls and floors or making larger repairs such as repairing your roof. Thus, it is better to hire someone who knows how to repair homes after flooding. You can also use this time to make your home better at handling floods in the future. This could include things like raising up your utilities, making your basement waterproof, or even lifting your whole house higher if you can. It depends on your financial situation and the rules in your particular area.
The people at Drainage & Erosion Solutions have some extra ideas to help you get ready for another flood. They say you should fill in any cracks in your foundation, clean out your gutters and pipes, and make sure the ground around your house slopes away from it. If you have a wall holding back dirt or rocks, they suggest putting in a special drain or ditch to help the water drain away. And they also recommend getting a special pump that can work even if the power goes out, and a valve that stops dirty water from flowing back into your house.
Conclusion
It is very difficult to recover from flood damage. It is because you have to deal with various things like taking photos of the damage, communicating with your insurance provider, and dealing with mold. It can also make you emotionally weak. But if you take the right steps and focus on safety, fixing your home, dealing with insurance, and getting ready for the future, it can be easier. After a flood, you can also make your home stronger for the future. You might need to update your insurance and make your home more flood-resistant. Plan for future floods and understand how likely they occur where you live. Floods can happen more often because of climate change thus it is important to be careful. Being ready and knowing what to do can help you recover from a flood and prepare for the next one.
If you need a professional support after the flood, you can contact Stalwart Facilities Management LLC – a leading facility management company in Muscat. We focus on delivering value-based service in all kinds of infrastructure, built environments, and master communities. We offer cleaning services, HVAC maintenance, landscape maintenance, water quality management, emergency system maintenance, and many more. So do not hesitate to contact us when you really need us.
