Flood Recovery: Safeguarding Your Home and Belongings
If your home has been flooded, the first thing you need to do is stay safe. Then you can start thinking about how to protect your belongings and begin the recovery process.
The first step is to make sure that the structure of your home is safe. If you have any doubts, err on the side of caution and evacuate until you can get a professional opinion.
Once you know it’s safe to stay, the next step is to start salvaging what you can. If possible, move any undamaged belongings to a dry, safe place. If you can’t move them, try to cover them with plastic or another waterproof material.
If the floodwater was dirty or sewage-contaminated, anything it touched will need to be cleaned and disinfected. This includes all clothing, bedding, furniture, and carpets.
The process of cleaning and disinfecting your belongings will take some time, but it’s important to do it carefully to prevent the spread of disease.
Once you’ve dealt with the immediate aftermath of the flood, you can start thinking about longer-term repairs. If possible, try to do as much of the work yourself to save money.
If your home has been seriously damaged, you may need to hire a contractor to do major repairs. In either case, make sure you get multiple quotes and references before hiring anyone.
The flood recovery process is never easy, but by taking the right steps you can minimize the damage and get your life back to normal as quickly as possible.