What to Do After a Flood: Drying Your House and More

The average flood claim payout in the United States is $52,000. This money is to help you dry, clean, repair, and restore your home after it has suffered flood damage. However, there are several steps you need to take before you receive your insurance claim payout. 

Acting fast can mean the difference between saving your home and belongings and having to replace everything. This guide will help you know what to do after a flood.

Identify the Source 

There are two reasons your home can become flooded. Either you have a plumbing issue, or it’s an act of nature. If it’s the first, you should locate the source of the leak and stop the flow of water. 

Acts of nature, you cannot stop, and instead, you should focus on your own safety. 

Protect Yourself 

Flooding water can contain harmful bacteria or even unpleasant critters. Wear rubber gloves, rubber boots, and even a mask. 

Turn off the Electricity 

Immediately turn off all electrical systems in the home. Electricity and flooding homes do not mix, and this can be a deadly combination. Don’t walk through or stand in water when shutting off the electricity, instead call an electrician. 

Document Everything 

You’re standing in the middle of your home saying, my house is flooded, we need to fix this. But before you move or clean anything, you need to document the condition of your home.

Do this before you touch or move anything. You’ll need these pictures to show the full extent of the damage to your insurance company. 

You could use your cell phone to take pictures or create a video as you walk around the home. 

Call for Help 

You can start the drying and cleaning process, but you won’t have the commercial-sized tools needed to really air out and dry your home. Hire an emergency water restoration company to come in and remove the water, salvage personal items, dry out the house, and disinfect the entire area. 

Do not wait to start the cleanup process. Waiting can create more problems and a bigger mess to deal with. The insurance company may not cover this additional damage, as your policy states it’s your responsibility to mitigate damages. 

Submit Your Claim 

Do not wait to submit your claim to the insurance company. The processing time can take a while, and the sooner you start, the sooner you can receive funds. Insurance companies also have time limits for when you can submit your claim after a house flood; you don’t want to miss this cutoff and be barred from filing your claim. 

Ask the restoration company if they have experience working with insurance companies. This will be helpful when providing proof of the damage and the required measures taken to clean your home. 

Know What to Do After a Flood

The most important thing to know about what to do after a flood is to put safety first and to act fast. Protect yourself by wearing the proper safety gear and turning off the electricity. 

Then act fast by removing the excess water and drying out your personal belongings and home. Having the professionals help will ensure you address all of the issues and restore your home to as close to the original condition as possible. 

Browse our other articles in the consumer resources section of our blog for more helpful advice on all areas of your life.