| The days immediately following a flood are | | | | your home's foundation and check for loose or |
| the most crucial to the potential for | | | | downed power lines, gas leaks, structural |
| recovering any personal property that may be | | | | damage, and any other potentially dangers. |
| damaged by the floodwaters. Hurried recovery | | | | Call a qualified building inspector or |
| tactics, however, can lead to further damage | | | | structural engineer if you suspect your |
| of your property and potential harm to | | | | building has sustained any dangerous flood |
| yourself and your loved ones. To recover from | | | | damage. |
| a flood safely and affectively: | | | | |
| | | | Once it has been determined that entering |
| 1. Determine the type of flood experienced | | | | your home or office building is safe, the |
| | | | next step is to assess the damage sustained |
| 2. Assess the damage that has occurred | | | | to your valuables and personal belongings. |
| | | | Not all damage means utter ruin. Water |
| 3. Determine the safest way to salvage | | | | damaged photos, books or documents may not |
| belongings | | | | necessarily need to be thrown out. Proper |
| | | | document recovery techniques and document |
| Determine The Type of Flood Experienced | | | | restoration companies can help you stem the |
| | | | loss of your most beloved belongings. Seek |
| Floods vary by origin and damage. Floods can | | | | out a professional to help you determine if |
| develop slowly and take days to reach their | | | | any of your essential materials can be saved, |
| final peak. Flash floods, on the other hand, | | | | even if you believe them to be beyond repair. |
| come about within a matter of minutes from | | | | Quick response and attention to important |
| seemingly nowhere, typically caused by a | | | | pieces may make the difference in its |
| surge in rainfall in dry areas. Floods that | | | | potential for restoration. |
| occur near a defined lake or river are called | | | | |
| overland floods and are often weather | | | | Determine The Safest Way To Salvage |
| related. Levee and dam breaks can also create | | | | Belongings |
| flooded areas. | | | | |
| | | | A dedicated document restoration service will |
| Stagnant floodwaters can be contaminated by | | | | be able to help you determine the best system |
| oils, fuels or sewage. If the flood is | | | | for saving your belongings. Many believe that |
| accompanied by a hurricane, earthquake or | | | | the best technique for recovering your |
| severe storm, downed power lines can also | | | | water-damaged personal effects is the |
| electrically charge the water making it | | | | desiccant air dry distribution system. Not |
| entirely unsafe. Also, be wary of any wild | | | | all companies offer this recovery service. |
| animals in post-flood areas. Experts | | | | The desiccant air dry technique is an |
| recommend residents avoid all areas with | | | | energy-efficient and safe way of removing |
| remaining floodwater until it recedes and | | | | moisture from the air surrounding your |
| never enter moving floodwater as it can very | | | | belongings, allowing the water that is |
| easily cause a loss of footing. | | | | trapped inside them to evaporate quickly and |
| | | | harmlessly. |
| Dry areas may also be potentially dangerous | | | | |
| after a flood, depending on the severity. | | | | When looking for a restoration specialists |
| Floodwaters can erode roads and walkways, | | | | make sure the system they use completely |
| making them dangerous to traverse. Buildings | | | | dries the materials. Mold damage can occur |
| can also be damaged. | | | | long after a flood if valuables are not |
| | | | completely dry before they are returned. |
| Assess the Damage That Has Occurred | | | | |
| | | | Simple steps taken in the first few days |
| Never immediately enter your home or office | | | | after a flood can make a big difference in |
| after a flood - the floors and stairs may | | | | the long-term detriment the waters cause a |
| have sustained damage and may no longer be | | | | family, home or office. |
| safe. Instead, walk a safe distance around | | | | |