Home Flooding: Five Rules You Need To Know

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Flooding is one of the most common, and most destructive, disasters that can befall a property. Whether the flood is due to storm damage or a burst pipe, the problem has to be rectified as quickly and efficiently as possible – but unfortunately, this is easier said than done. If you have never experienced flooding before, then dealing with the situation can feel incredibly overwhelming and distressing; the situation is so total, and so unfamiliar, that it’s tough to know what to do next.

We therefore thought that it might be useful to establish five “rules” that can help you to deal with home flooding as quickly and as safely as possible, starting with…

#1 – Leave the property as soon as the flood begins

If your home is in the process of flooding, then you need to evacuate as soon as you become aware of the issue. This may seem like obvious advice, but it is worth reiterating; often, people find themselves trying to stem the flow or rescue a few last items, but this can be incredibly dangerous, so gather your family and your pets and leave immediately.

#2 – Don’t walk into standing flood water

While it can be hugely tempting to do so, wading into flood water is to be avoided at all costs. First and foremost, the water means that you can’t be sure what you will actually be stepping onto, so the risk of injury is significant. Secondly, flood water can also be harmful to your health. As a result, if your home floods, avoid the water entirely.

#3 – Disconnect the electricity and water

If you can do so without having to walk into water, turn the electricity and water supply to your house off as soon as possible. It is also advisable to contact your suppliers to inform them that you have done this, and why it has been necessary to do so.

#4 – Take photographs of the flooding

Taking photographs can help to simplify the process of claiming on your insurance, while also providing a full record of where the water actually reached. However, the need to take does not eliminate the need to avoid walking into flood water, so take photographs from a dry area, and potentially consider using a selfie stick to get as many angles as possible.

#5 – Call for professional help as soon as possible

Due to the risks flood water can pose, it is always best to contact professional companies who specialize in water removal when seeking to start getting your home back to normal. Without a specialist service, there is a chance that water damage could remain, potentially leading to issues such as mold or even structural damage – so this is one job you definitely don’t want to attempt to DIY.

In conclusion

Hopefully, you will be able to read above and never need to action the advice provided. However, if the worst does happen and you experience flooding in your home, sticking to the above rules should allow you to address the issue as well as possible.