From Family Handyman · Chris Deziel · · 1m 20s
Home Flood Response Checklist
Shut off power, avoid wading, file claims fast to prevent mold and insurance issues after flooding.
In brief
Shut off power, avoid wading, file claims fast to prevent mold and insurance issues after flooding. After home flooding, shut off power, avoid standing water, file insurance claims immediately to prevent mold and insurance denials. Originally reported by Family Handyman.
Shut Off the Power
Water and electricity are the biggest immediate safety risk after a flood.
“Water flooding your basement or ground floor may come into contact with wall receptacles or other electrical equipment. If the power is still on, the water may be electrified.”
Avoid Wading Through Standing Water
Standing water can be contaminated with sewage, animal waste and agricultural runoff.
“Even after you’ve shut off the power, it’s important to stay out of the water, because it could be contaminated with sewage, animal waste and agricultural runoff.”
File an Insurance Claim Immediately
Many policies have specific windows for reporting flood damage, delays can complicate claims.
“Many policies have specific windows for reporting flood damage, and delays can complicate a claim”
Take Photos
Document damage with photos before cleanup starts.
“Go around your house and film everything that suffered damage”
Beat the 48-Hour Mold Clock
Mold grows quickly on water-damaged materials if not dried within 24-48 hours.
“According to the EPA, mold probably won’t grow on water-damaged materials if they dry within a 24-48 hour period.”
Get the Water Out
Use wet/dry vac or sump pump to remove standing water quickly.
“A wet/dry shop vac works for smaller amounts, but a sump pump is worth renting for anything beyond a few inches of standing water.”
Limit Damage to Home and Belongings
Air out carpet and furniture, prop up furniture on wood blocks.
“Prop up furniture on wood blocks to stop wicking, and pull baseboards, not just carpet, in flooded rooms.”
Ventilate, Ventilate, Ventilate
Run fans and dehumidifiers for at least 48 hours to dry the space.
“Hickerson warns that things may look dry when they really aren’t, so he recommends keeping the fans running for at least 48 hours, and perhaps as long as 72 hours.”
Clean and Sanitize
Use bleach or dish detergent to clean surfaces after water damage.
“If you do it yourself, the CDC recommends using dish detergent and water or one cup of bleach per gallon of water.”
Check and Clean HVAC Ducts
Uncover vents and sanitize ducts to prevent mold spread.
“People often forget to look in HVAC vents, and if they’re wet enough to support mold, the blower could contaminate the rest of the house as soon as the HVAC system turns on.”
What it means
After home flooding, shut off power, avoid standing water, file insurance claims immediately to prevent mold and insurance denials.
