Actions To Avoid After a Flood

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Floodwaters in Erie, CO

Storm season in Erie, CO, can affect several areas of your home. If flood water seeps into your house, there are many things you need to do to take care of the problem. There are also several behaviors you need to avoid. Here is a list of what not to do when your home floods.

Delayed Mitigation

During a storm, your home can undergo significant changes. Several factors can lead to a flooded home:

• Broken windows
  
• Rising groundwater
  
• Damaged roof
  
• Leaks under doors
  
  

Delaying mitigation can lead to mold growth and other secondary damage. To minimize the amount of water damage to your home, it's vital to call flood mitigation experts as soon as you know you have a problem.

Unprotected Contact
When mitigation professionals arrive at your home, you may notice that they put on protective gear before they enter any affected area. Flood water is contaminated with bacteria, so it's important to make sure it does not come in contact with your skin, particularly on or around your face. Don't wade into standing water in your home unless you are wearing the appropriate PPE. Gloves, rubber boots, and protective coveralls are necessary for anyone who enters your home after it floods.

Failure To Relocate
If your house has flood damage, it is probably best for you and your family to relocate to temporary housing. Trying to live in your flooded home can drastically slow down the mitigation process, forcing technicians to work around you. If there is significant flooding, it is also likely that the structural integrity of the house has been compromised. It is much safer to relocate until all repairs are complete.
When flood water invades your home, how you react has a direct effect on the ultimate extent of the damage. Timely mitigation and adherence to important safety measures not only minimizes damage but also gets you back into your home more quickly.