Dos and Don’ts of Flood Repair after Hurricane Irma

Here in South Florida, it’s no surprise that residents are resilient to all that comes with getting hit by a hurricane. But, with the massive power that was Hurricane Irma, many homeowners have found that their housing just couldn’t handle the massive winds and rains. Fortunately, Florida is a place where all residents understand the heartbreak that comes with these extreme storms. So, after each hurricane, our streets, homes, and lives are quickly rebuilt even stronger than before. If you’re a Florida resident who has been impacted by the giant force of Hurricane Irma, you’re surely ready to get back on your feet and into your home once again. If you’ve experienced roof leaking or heavy rains, you may need some flood repair services to do so. Check out these steps to what homeowners should do after hurricane flooding.

When Conducting Flood Repair Remember that Safety Comes First!

You may be anxious to get out and start removing waste and damage as a result of flooding. But, remember to keep safe as flood waters are not just rainwater. They can contain a number of toxic components like harmful bacteria, chemicals, and even sewage waste. If it’s possible, don’t go out into flood waters at all. But, if you do have to work in flood waters or even after they’ve evaporated, make sure to utilize as much protection as possible. This includes high rubber boots, gloves, and safety glasses. Additionally, be sure to thoroughly clean your entire self immediately after working in flood waters.

Be Prepared to Offer Your Insurance Company Proof of Damage

Undoubtedly, one of the biggest downfalls of flood repair is the financial expense. But, fortunately, South Florida residents are required to invest in homeowners insurance. While not every plan may cover the damage of flooding, it’s a good idea to try to get as much repair covered with insurance as possible. This way, if there are any out of pocket expenses, you’ll be more able to afford them. So, it’s extremely important to document any flood or hurricane wind damage BEFORE you begin the repair process. Take pictures of any damage done after the hurricane to provide to your insurance adjuster so that they can assess the amount owed to you.

Before Flood Repair Clear Out Flood Waters

The longer flood waters stay in a house, the more flood repair there is to be done. Flood water can do all types of damage if it isn’t ventilated fast. It can ruin drywall, insulation, electrical wiring, cabinets, trim, and flooring. Furthermore, the longer water sits, the more potential for health concerns like mold and mildew. So, to prevent even more damage, you should do as much as you can to get water out of the house immediately. To accomplish this, open all windows and doors of the house. And, if you have them, utilize fans and dehumidifiers to help boost the water drying process. However, if the home has a central a.c. unit installed, do not attempt to turn the system on until all water is eliminated and the unit has been checked by a professional. Turning on central a.c. units after flood damage can damage the entire system, not to mention blowing the harmful chemicals that flood waters have created or brought into your home.

Removing Flooring During Flood Repair

Once all of the water is gone from the home, it’s finally time to start on flood repair. More often than not, flooding will damage flooring. Removing this flooring can stir up the harmful chemicals and fungus that flood waters may bring. But, you don’t have to go about it yourself. Let the professionals handle it for you in a safe, quick, and effective way. We’ll even throw the debris for you at no extra cost! Plus, our innovative technology allows us to remove flooring with a dust-free system. This way, you’ll be able to go about your flood repair and new floor installation as soon as we’re done with the job! If you are interested in hiring a professional South Florida floor removal service to deal with some of your flood repair, give Dustbusters a call today at 866-883-8783.