Force 1 Restoration Services - Force 1 Restoration Shares the First Steps Homeowners Should Take After a Flood

The first few steps after the floods recede

Once the storm is over and the contaminated floodwaters have receded, all homeowners want to return and rebuild their home and their lives again. Force 1 Restoration recommends the first steps homeowners should take when returning home after a flood. The local authorities must give a safety clearance before the homeowners can return to their homes.

Flood Insurance Claims

Homeowners with flood insurance must connect with the insurance adjuster at the earliest. Until the adjuster arrives, here are a few steps to take:

Take pictures of the damage to the structure and the contents.
Begin cleanup, salvage, and drying as soon as possible. Contact a water damage restoration company like Force 1 Restoration that can help with the water mitigation and restoration besides assistance with insurance claims.
Don’t discard the damaged materials until the adjuster has seen them.
Once the adjuster assesses the damages to the house, the owner should sign a proof of loss statement.

Electrical Systems

Switch off the main power supply to avoid electrocution from damaged wiring and equipment. Switch off the gas services as well for additional safety. A minor gas leak can lead to highly toxic air inside the house and could cause damage to life and property. Contact an electrician to inspect the premises thoroughly for unsafe conditions before turning on the power supply. Appliances must be used only after a professional inspection and safety certification.

Food and Water

Floodwaters are severely contaminated and therefore homeowners must use purified water after the storm is over. Tap water is unsafe for consumption until a local water company, utility, or public health department declares the water source safe. From drinking to washing, only purified water must be consumed. Most storm preparation checklists include storing mineral water.

Additionally, discard food cans and other perishable items that have come in contact with floodwaters.

Dry and dehumidify

The 24 hours are critical in a water damage situation. If the homeowners can begin the process of drying out the property within 24 hours, it can mitigate a lot of water damage. A professional water damage restoration company like Force 1 Restoration can take care of this efficiently and swiftly. However, homeowners may take care of a few things like a DIY project, if they so wish.

Move wet furniture from flooded areas.
Place aluminum foil between furniture legs and wet carpet to prevent carpet stains.
Take the rugs out to dry.
Use fans, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers to help dry out wet areas.
Complete removal of moisture, especially hidden inside walls and floors, is possible only with professional-grade equipment.

Document repair expenses

Sometimes it may become necessary to make certain repairs to protect the house from further damage such as a leaking roof or a broken window. In this case, homeowners must photograph the damage and make temporary repairs. The expense of these repairs must be recorded and shared with the adjuster.

Contact a professional water damage restoration service

Homeowners may be able to remove water and dry out the house and contents. They may even be well-equipped to rebuild and restore certain aspects. However, a complete and safe water damage restoration process is best handled by a professional team like Force 1 Restoration.

The team has the experience, the training, the certification, and the equipment to handle the process from start to finish. A professional water damage restoration also ensures that the homeowners have the correct repair estimate and their insurance claims can be settled more easily. A DIY project may work for minor damages but a restoration gone wrong can cost the homeowners more than a professional restoration would.

Why Force 1 Restoration Services?

The professionals at Force 1 Restoration Services can quickly arrive at the damaged residence with the personnel, equipment, and training to begin the water removal, drying, and restoration process. The team of professionals can handle the claims process and total restoration project from beginning to end for its clients.