Over the years, news reports indicate that 15 million homes are at high risk of flooding, yet nothing can be done about it. Depending on factors like location, intensity, and the vulnerability of the environment, the effects can be positive or negative. In the worst case scenario, occupants of the houses in the area may need to vacate their premises for good. This isn’t always a feasible option for everyone, making it necessary to know how floods can affect your life, including your home.
- Financial loss
If you have insurance cover for your home, it is worth noting that not all policies cover flood damage to the home. A scenario like this can put a huge financial strain on you and the rest of your family. It is in these situations where you could look for bridging loan rates and opt for this financial option to get your repairs done.
However, the right move would always be to get home insurance in the first place. If you’re interested in home insurance, it would be advisable to specifically opt for flood insurance to provide financial cover for your property. If you’re unsure about the current status of your home insurance, it would be a good idea to find out now before it’s too late. According to Reuters, flood damage to homes could cost a total of $31 billion by 2051.
Depending on the extent of damage caused by the flood, it can take months and sometimes even years to get your property back to the way it was before. In severe cases, people lost their homes to flooding. Indeed, it is challenging to be completely sure if your property will someday be a flood target, but you can also take proactive steps to protect your investment. Your home is one of the biggest investments you will make in your lifetime, and it makes sense to secure it from any damage.
- Health and safety risks
According to health experts, floodwater possesses copious amounts of microorganisms dangerous to human health. This is especially true when it causes backtracking of dirty water into your home. You will need a company with sewage backup fix expertise to help out when that happens. In addition to that, floodwater usually contains glass shards and pieces of sharp metals that could cause further harm to people and pets in the home. Again, another main reason people are advised to stay out of floodwaters is to prevent electrocution.
Water is an excellent conductor of electricity. During home floods, the chances of live wires in the water are greatly increased. With your naked eyes, it is impossible to know if the water you are about to wade through is a death trap. For this reason, you are better off calling for expert help than taking the risk. Indeed, it can be disheartening to stand aside and watch flood water invade your home. However, those objects can be replaced someday but certainly not your life or that of your family’s.
- Structural damage to the property
Usually, the walls, flooring, and the house’s foundation are the most affected parts. Water damage can lead to mold growth, damp and a weakness to the overall structure of the building. Nothing is immune to water damage when a flood occurs. More so, when there is no outlet to get the excess water out, you might need a pumping machine to suck water away from the house.