Boy swept off as hurricane-force storm hits..

Whether a flood is caused by underground water leakage or due to natural reasons, you need to employ some practices within the first 24 hours after the flood to ensure the safety of your home and family.

Here is what you should do as soon as possible:

Avoid Risk

If the flood was severe enough for you to force you out of your home, be sure that your home is strong enough to welcome you back. Check for warping or cracked foundation elements before entering your house. If you suspect damage to utility water and gas lines, call up the appropriate utility companies first. Also, remember to turn off all electrical and water sources before anyone enters.

Take Pictures Of The Damage Done

If you are looking forward to claiming your insurance coverage then you should first take pictures of your entire house and the damage done, before you start cleaning up. If you start with the repairs before taking pictures, you could decrease the extent of your coverage.

Defend Your Health

Even if the water seems clear, chances are that it might be mixed with contaminated sewage water. Professionals recommend that you should wear hip or waist high shoes before you enter the water to avoid contact with any contaminants. Moreover, consider throwing away any food that you suspect might have come in contact with the water. If you feel that the water is unsafe to drink, boil it before consuming.

Call Up The Insurance Company

As you are required to inform your insurance company as soon as possible, be sure that you have the numbers saved in your phone at all times. Traditional homeowners insurance doesn't cover groundwater damage; you will need to coordinate with your insurer to determine the extent of the coverage.

Consult with your insurance representative on the condition of your home and the repairs needed and be sure to follow the instructions strictly. Added to that, you should also maintain records of all conversations and transactions with the representative.

Remove The Water

Once you have the green light from your insurer, visit your local hardware store to purchase a sump pump and a wet vacuum. These equipments will help you push out the water from your home through pipes. If you choose to go with buckets, you should be careful when carrying the heavy buckets up and down the stairs.

Boy swept off as hurricane-force storm hits... by ahmluck18