4 Common Flood Mistakes To Avoid

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure to turn off the electricity to avoid shocks or fires in Ogden, UT.

4 Common Mistakes Homeowners Attempt Making to Eliminate Flood Water

Flooding poses a wide range of personal safety and property damage risks. Homeowners should be aware of the potential dangers of a flooded home in order to make more informed decisions. Here are four common mistakes that many homeowners make when attempting to eliminate flood water.

1. Mitigating Before Documenting

If mitigation begins before a homeowner documents the full extent of damage, it may be harder to make a flood damage claim and receive full compensation. Capture the worst of the damage in photographs or videos prior to pumping out standing water.

2. Making Direct Contact With Flood Water

Restoration professionals classify flooding as Category Three black water, which may contain chemicals and solid waste. Homeowners and mitigation workers should wear waterproof boots, hip waders, and other personal protective equipment while documenting or cleaning up damage inside a flooded home.

3. Turning the Power On or Off

It can be as risky to attempt to shut off a circuit breaker as it would be to turn on a switch or appliance anywhere in a residence that has suffered flood damage. Avoid electrocution by contacting an electrician or utility company and having an expert disconnect the electrical meter.

4. Delaying the Start of Cleanup

As soon as damage has been documented and a homeowner has checked in with a flood insurance provider, there is no need to wait to start damage mitigation. Standing water will cause increasing damage to building materials and contents and mold may start to form within just 24 to 48 hours.

These mistakes are easy for homeowners to make. Knowing the risks associated with flood water can reduce the risk of personal injury, problems making a flood damage claim or secondary damage. Homeowners should stay in contact with a flood insurance provider and rely on the expertise of storm and water damage restoration professionals in Ogden,UT.