What do you do? You evacuated your house before a storm and flood waters have destroyed your house and your personal belongings. You feel helpless and don’t know where to start. Consider these items to assist with the overwhelming task ahead of you, your family, and friends.
First and foremost, safety is paramount in dealing with the catastrophe. That means personal protective equipment (PPE) is needed and required and should include, at a minimum:
- a respirator
- goggles
- long sleeve shirts and long pants
- Rubber boots with grip soles
- Multiple pairs of gloves
- first aid kit including bandages, antibiotic creams and sprays, medical tape, headache relief meds, etc.…….
Second, as you approach the property in an emotional state of being, take pictures of your property, building and personal items, before you begin cleaning and moving things. We know this is difficult to do with emotions running high, but the pictures may prove beneficial with insurance claims. As a recommendation, take photos on each side of your house from afar and up close of any damage witnessed. Take pictures of the fallen fence, the damaged wall, the displaced lawn tables, etc…….. It may all mean something later when the debris is sorted, and the insurance claim is filed. More on that thought later!
The following beneficial items may prove helpful in managing a flooded house.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share this list with friends, neighbors, and family.
See our related article, Documenting the Damage after a Flood, for additional help in managing the catastrophe. Floods often generate insurance claims, and you may need the services of professional engineers experienced in evaluating these events.
HOUSETIPS‘ goal is to help homeowners understand their home’s various systems and provide insight into common and unusual problems that may arise. If you have any questions, please contact us today!
