California and Florida:
Flood waters can cause a lot of destruction to your home, depending on how high the waters were, and how long it takes them to recede. The water can damage not only the contents of your home, but much of the building materials using in your home as well. If this is the first time you have experienced flood damage to your home, it can be overwhelming. Here is a list of ten important phone calls to make once the flooding is over.
- Insurance Company – This is the first call you should make. Of course, this is assuming that you have purchased a flood insurance policy for your home. Flood insurance is almost always purchased as a separate policy from your general home insurance. Your insurance company will need to assess the damage and work with you throughout the process of restoration.
- FEMA – This federal agency has been assisting citizens dealing with natural disasters for many years. They can provide you with lots of information regarding the steps you should be taking in the first few days following the flood to minimize the damage to your possessions and your home.
- Flood Restoration Service – There are many companies that specialize in flood restoration. Their primary function is to help you remove the excess moisture from your home as quickly as possible. This is important to avoid the development of mold.
- Cleaning Service – A cleaning service can help with lighter amounts of water removal and cleaning and restoring of carpets in your home and other general cleanup. Check with those in your area to find out exactly what assistance they can provide.
- Heating Professional – Furnaces and air conditioning units should be inspected by professional after a flood. They will be able to assist in drying the units and making sure they are fully functional.
- Electrician – Electricity and water are a dangerous mix. Before flood waters approach, you should turn off the electricity to your home. Allow an electrician to inspect your electrical system before attempting to restore power to your home.
- Disposal Service – After flood damage, you will have plenty of material that will be beyond salvaging. Contact a disposal service to provide a dumpster to load your damaged materials into.
- Appliance repairs – If the flood waters reached any of your electrical appliances such as your washer, dryer or freezer, you should contact an appliance repair service to inspect these units and determine if they have been damaged by the water or not.
- Contractor – Contractors are in high demand following a flood. You will want to get on the schedule for the repairs needed for your home. Drywall and insulation may need to be removed and replaced.
- Lodging – If there is extensive damage to your home, you may need a place to stay until it is habitable again. Finding a place for you and your family to live during the meantime, will be an important item of concern.
Flood waters can be very destructive. You will need plenty of help getting your home restored to its original condition.