Ways to Prevent Water Damage from Spreading

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

Flood damage in a Key West, FL home

When everything is saturated and seems ruined after your home floods in Key West, FL, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. While you want to get a flood cleanup professional there as soon as possible, you know the importance of contacting your flood insurance company first. While they usually arrive quickly, there a few things you can do to prevent further flood damage without affecting your claim.

Keep Insurance in Mind

Before you do anything, ensure the home is safe to enter. If it is, take photographs of the exterior and interior so that there is proof of all the damage for your flood insurance company. If possible, create a detailed list of all your belongings and gather any receipts you may have saved to make the process go as smoothly as possible. It’s also important to discuss what can and can’t be done with your insured before you begin any cleanup.

Mold Prevention

Depending on your insurer, there are usually a few things that can be done to prevent damage from spreading. One of the most common issues that comes with any type of water issue is mold damage. Below are a few ways to keep it from spreading during the wait.

Remove and sort anything saturated with water such as clothing, rugs and furniture.
Clean and disinfect walls, doors, shelves, baseboards and other elements of the home that have come in contact with water.
If possible, open windows and run a dehumidifier to dry out the home.
Check the furnace and water heater for damage or standing water. Schedule an inspection to ensure internal elements are still functioning properly.
Put small holes in the drywall or baseboards that have been damaged to increase air circulation.

Although no one likes to wait, doing too much can affect your flood insurance claim. Staying focused on the details and sorting through your belongings can help keep it protected while help is on the way.