You can endure plenty of headaches when there is a flood in your house if you do not prepare efficiently for it. When water saturates your home, homeowners need a game plan. Time matters, and so does quick, systematic thinking. Soggy walls, carpets, and ceilings pose hazards. Therefore, before a flood hits your home, take proactive measures.
A Flood in Your House: A Significant Problem
Work with your insurance to learn more about
flood insurance, the appropriate steps to reduce moisture levels, and seek help.
How Likely Is a Flood?
During the summer and fall, hurricanes pose a significant threat. As these storms barrel up the coast, they threaten to drop mass amounts of rain, increasing local bodies of water and creating flash floods. Owners may find themselves facing waterlogged basements or living room deluges.
The National Insurance Institute reports that insurers approved approximately 132,897 for Superstorm Sandy. Hurricane Ida resulted in 28,544 claims, with owners receiving an average of $55,658. 2022 proves to be a busy season, with Forbes magazine noting that between 14 -21 storms this season.
Hurricanes give little notice. Prepare now by working with your insurer. Ask critical questions like “Is flood insurance different from homeowners insurance?” It is, and without the right policy, you may miss out on crucial restoration funding.
While Mother Nature plays a crucial role in insurance needs, so do unsuspected home events. When water overtakes the premises, it’s problematic and swift. Pipes break, plumbing lines clog, and sewage breaks, unfortunately, occur.
When Your Home Floods: What Now?
As soon as you notice flooding, take action. Identify the source and cut off the water’s flow. In addition, if it’s safe, cut off the electrical current to the area. If your home is taking in water from outside, attempt to block the site. Get to safe ground, and wait for a good time to assess the situation. Call your insurer. Open a claim. Agents should hear from you immediately.
Focus on drying out the premises. When the floor is wet, it could breed mold and mildew, an issue that develops within as quickly as 1 to 2 days. Remove damp items from the room, assess contamination concerns, and air out the premises using industrial dehumidifiers. Water comes in various contamination levels. Outside bodies of water and sewage bring microbes with them. Be careful; use safety gear such as goggles, gloves, and boots. When in doubt, choose to discard food, medicines, and valuables within the flood zone.
Document everything that you do and see. Insurance claims require evidence; therefore, video or photograph the various stages of your flooding. Capture the initial water damage, show images of anything ruined and removed, and capture attempts to remediate and restore. Submit this information to your agent to validate your request.
Flooding happens. Prepare now to help yourself through the recovery efforts. Work with your insurer to secure flood insurance and put a plan together to reduce damage.
About Provident Protection Plus
For more than 65 years,
Provident Protection Plus has served the businesses and residents across several states nationwide. Today, we are a wholly-owned subsidiary of Provident Bank, the region’s premier banking institution. To learn more about our coverage options,
contact our specialists today at (888) 990-0526.
