What to Do if Area Flooding Damages Your Property

Natural disasters and other kinds of accidents can lead to area flooding, and this can lead to your property getting damaged.

Dangers of Area Flooding

When your property is damaged by flood, it is important to get it fixed as soon as possible. This is because flooding (water damage) can lead to the growth of mold, which is a health hazard. It can also lead to a growth in insect and rodent populations around your property, which is also another health hazard.
Flooding can also compromise the structure of your property; rotten or swollen wood can lead to nails becoming loose or even falling off. It is dangerous to live in a property that is structurally compromised.

Causes of Flooding

Here are some of the most common reasons why homes and commercial buildings get flooded:

– Natural Disasters
The number one cause of flooding in the United States is a natural disaster. In fact, 90% of all damage caused by natural disasters is because of area flooding.
– Broken Pipes
You would be surprised by how many times a small leak in a pipe can turn into a major flood in your home. Pipes over time weaken and erode before eventually breaking. Pipes can also break because of accidents. The point is, when pipes break, you could find your home flooded.
– Bad Drainage
Ensuring that your drainage system works properly is critical to preventing the floors, walls, and fixtures of your home from getting damaged due to waterlogging and flooding.
– Blocked Rain Gutters
Rain gutters are built to divert excess water away from your home, especially during heavy rainfall. However, if these gutters get blocked with leaves and other debris, then that excess water has nowhere to go but into your home. This will lead to area flooding and damage.
– Faulty Appliances
If your washing machine’s drainage or piping is damaged, you could end up with a flooded laundry room. The same problem can occur with your water heater, or even your dishwasher, which is why it is important to ensure that all your appliances are well-maintained and serviced on time.
– Weak or Damaged Foundation
If there is a weakness or some kind of damage in the foundation leading to cracks or flaws in your floor, water could seep into your home. Now, if there is heavy rain or snow, then you could end up with severe flooding because of these weakened foundations.

Steps to Take When an Area Floods

If there has been an area flooding in your home, this is what you need to do immediately:

Shut down water sources that could be the reason for the flooding. Of course, if it is a natural disaster, then this point doesn’t apply.
– Turn off the power supply to your home. Remember, there is a real danger of electrocution if the main sources aren’t turned off immediately.
Evacuate your home. You don’t know the extent of the damage yet, and there could be some structural damage caused by the flooding. So, for your and your family’s safety, it is best to get outside to a safe area as soon as possible.
– Call for help.
Document all the damage caused by the area flooding.
– Contact your insurance company. It would also be a good idea to get in touch with a public adjuster so that they can help you with your claims process.
Once you have documented all damage caused by the flood, you can begin the cleanup process.
– Finally, take steps to prevent the onset of mold.

Flooding is a serious health and safety concern, so it is best to take steps to remedy the situation as soon as possible.

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