There has been a lot of flooding all over the world this year, and here are four ways to help your family recover after the flood!
Table of Contents
What to know before the storm?
Before the storm, it is important to know what to expect. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
-Homes in flood-prone areas should be prepared for potential flooding. This includes having an evacuation plan, preparing your home for water damage, and knowing where to go if your home loses power.
-If you live in a coastal area, be aware of potential hurricane impacts. Hurricanes can cause extensive flooding, damage to homes and businesses, and power outages.
-If you are evacuating due to a hurricane, make sure to have an accurate location of your destination. FEMA provides resources that will help you plan your evacuation route.
Once the storm has passed, it is important to begin the recovery process. Here are some tips on how to help your home recover:
-Clean up any debris that has been left behind. This can help reduce the amount of water that flows into your home after the storm.
-Check for leaks in your roof and walls. If there are any leaks, fix them as soon as possible. Leaks can lead to structural damage and eventual flooding.
-Contact a restoration company if you need help cleaning up or restoring your home
The first 5 days after the storm
If you are living in or near an area that was affected by Hurricane Irma, there is a high probability that your home has been damaged or destroyed. If this is the case, there are a few things that you can do to help your home recover.
1. Clean and Dry Your Home
Clean up any debris that is scattered throughout your home. Make sure to clean all surfaces and clean out any water or flood damage areas.
2. Inspect Your Home for Damage
Once you have cleaned and dried your home, it is time to inspect for damage. There may be hidden areas that were not visible before the storm, so please take the time to look for damage.
3. Restore Electrical Systems and Hot Water Heaters
If your home was flood damaged or wind, restoration of electrical systems and hot water heaters may be necessary. Please consult with a licensed electrician if you need assistance with these repairs.
4. Prepare Food Storage Areas in case of Emergencies
In case of emergencies, it is important to have food storage areas set up in different parts of your home. This will give you enough food to last for several days without having to go outside.
5. Begin Rest
Tips for a well-maintained home
After a major storm like Hurricane Harvey, it can be hard to know what to do to help your home recover. Here are some tips for a well-maintained home that can help it bounce back quickly after a flood:
1. Keep your gutters clean. Gutter debris and leaves can block rain from getting into your home, which can cause pipes to break and flooding. Clear away all debris from your gutters before a storm, and keep them clean throughout the season.
2. Clean up around your home. Floodwaters can carry dirt, leaves, and other debris with them. Clean up any messes that floodwaters create around your home, especially in areas where water has been pooling for a long time. This will help prevent mold and other harmful organisms from growing.
3. Check your appliances and electronics for damage. Floodwater can damage appliances and electronics if they’re left plugged in or if they’re close to the waterline. If there’s any sign of water damage, unplug them immediately and contact a professional to assess the damage.
Regular maintenance helps keep your home well-maintained in case of a flood – making it easier for you to bounce back after a
Emergency cleanup steps
If you’re affected by flooding, there are a few things you can do to help your home recover as quickly as possible.
1. Contact a local flood cleaning company.
Emergency cleanup companies are trained to handle flooded homes quickly and safely. They will remove any water and debris that has collected in the house, and they will clean and sanitize the area. This will help to prevent any potential health hazards from occurring.
2. Clear any debris from around the home.
Debris can block water from entering homes, and it can also cause structural damage. Clear away any furniture, appliances, trash, or other large objects that could become lodged in floodwaters later on. This will help to prevent future floods from damaging your home.
3. Open up windows and doors to allow air circulation.
Flooded homes tend to be humid and hot, which can cause respiratory problems. Open up all of the windows and doors in your home to allow fresh air to circulate. This will help to reduce the amount of humidity in the home and improve your chances of recovering quickly from flooding.
Conclusion
After the flood, it’s important to remember that your home is not just a place to live. It’s also a place where you and your family stored important belongings and memories. If you’re looking for ways to help your home recover from the flood, read on for some helpful tips. Start by sorting through what was damaged and discard anything that can’t be repaired or replaced. Then, start cleaning up any water damage as soon as possible to prevent it from worsening. Finally, consider fixing any leaks or cracks in your roof and walls so that water doesn’t infiltrate into your home again in the future.
