A home flood is an emotional experience. However, regardless of whether this event happens due to a natural disaster, pipe burst, or foundation damage, it’s essential to take action right away. By doing so, you can address the damage quickly and keep your family safe. The following are some of the first steps to take in water damage restoration.

5 Steps to Start Home Flood Recovery

1. Get to Safety

Even if water damage restoration is the only action on your mind, your family’s safety should be your top priority. Remember that flood water means electric shock risk, loose drywall, and floating debris. Find a place for your family to live while you recover from this event.

2. Call Your Insurance Company

It’s important to call your insurance company immediately after your home is flooded. Your insurance might cover certain types of flood damage but not others. For example, not every policy covers groundwater floods. The agent will discuss the cause of the flood and what type of coverage you can expect to receive. They might also send a representative to take photos of the damage. 

3. Call a Restoration Professional

As soon as you and your family are safely out of the house, call a company that specializes in water damage restoration. They’ll begin cleanup efforts, and they’ll also work with you to plan the next steps. You might require mold remediation in addition to standard water removal. With professionals by your side, you can be sure that cleanup will happen as efficiently as possible.

4. Prioritize Security

If the damage to your home was extensive, you should make your house as secure as possible. Place boards on your windows and reinforce your doors to deter intruders. Remove valuables and place them at a loved one’s house or in storage. 

5. Prepare to Replace Furnishings

You will likely need to replace features like flooring, walls, wood furniture, couches, and even some appliances. Once you learn the extent of the damage and how much insurance will cover, start making plans to purchase these items. Making preparations ahead of time will prevent you from rushing or worrying about missed details once it’s time for you to move back in.

If you’ve experienced a flood in your home, the team at Blue Ridge Property Restore can help get your home back to its original state. Located in Martinsburg, WV, these specialists in fire and water damage restoration serve families in West Virginia, south-central Pennsylvania, central Maryland, and northern Virginia. They are available 24/7 by phone. Call (304) 262-8100 for a free estimate or visit them online to view a list of their services.