Floods are common in Washington. When they occur, they can leave you in a panic. If your home has recently suffered flood damage, it’s important to know what you can do to help offset the damage before calling a flood restoration company for help. Learn More about the top ways flood waters can damage your home!
What to Do Immediately After a Flood
If your home falls victim to a flood, chances are you’re not the only person on the block who will be affected. When you are given the green light to return home, here are a few things you should do:
- Avoid moving any of the water yourself. Flood waters are considered to be Category 3 water, which is contaminated with pathogenic and other harmful, toxic bacteria and agents. Leave the water removal to the professionals.
- Take photos of the damage and contact your insurance company to file a claim.
- Assess the damage and call a flood restoration professional as soon as possible.
- Remove damaged items if you can. You should also throw away your food, as this could be contaminated.
These are just a few steps you can take after experiencing unexpected flood damage. Here are the top ways flood waters can damage your Vancouver home (and what you can do about it):
1. Structural Damage
Floods often cause structural damage. In fact, as little as one foot of flood water can tear a wooden-framed home off its foundation. If your home is damaged in a flood, it could suffer the following types of structural damage:
- Buckling floors
- Cracks in your foundation
- Rotting floors and drywall
- Damaged air ducts
- Roof damage
While this isn’t an exhaustive list, these are a few of the most common types of structural damage that occur in Vancouver homes after an unexpected flood. Always assess the damage and avoid any area that you think might be dangerous until a proper inspection has been completed.
2. Mildew Buildup and Mold
Mold can grow as little as 24 hours after being exposed to flood damage. This fungal bacteria can chip away at your ceilings and floorboards, causing them to cave in. Furthermore, mold can trigger severe allergies and worsen existing respiratory conditions. It normally takes up to 72 hours to dry your house out after a flood. This means that there’s plenty of time for mold to grow and disperse around your home as a result of your ventilation system.
After a flood, mold will typically grow on your carpet, upholstered furniture, and drywall. It can also grow on your clothes. To combat mold growth, open your windows or use a dehumidifier to gather up excess moisture in the air.
3. Electrical Damage
Floods also damage your existing wires and electrical systems. After a flood, certain electrical systems such as your switchboard, appliances, and furnace can be partially or completely under water. If your Vancouver home experiences flood damage, you’ll want to turn off your electricity. However, you should only do this if it is safe to do so. Wear proper protective gear like rubber gloves and boots. If it’s not safe to turn the electricity off, call an electrician.
4. Damage to Your Septic System
Unfortunately, floods can also damage your septic system. Your septic system transfers wastewater from your home. However, in a flood, the system can be damaged. This is because floodwaters usually carry debris such as trash, leaves, and animal waste. The debris can clog your septic tank, resulting in a septic backup. If you hear gurgling sounds or smell foul odors, it may be a sign of a damaged septic system.
5. Damage to Your Furniture and Appliances
Last but not least, floods can seriously damage both your appliances and furniture. Unfortunately, flood water can cause appliances to break if their electrical systems get damaged. The most commonly-damaged appliances in floods are:
- Refrigerators
- Washers and dryers
- Stoves
- Dishwashers
- Water heaters
- Ventilation systems
This means that on top of your existing repairs, you may have to spend more money buying something new. Likewise, floods can damage your furniture like your couch, bedroom set, and other decorative items. If a flood is imminent, it’s recommended that you unplug all appliances to combat potential damage. Failure to do so could cause electrical shock.
Did Your Vancouver Home Recently Suffer Flood Damage? Call PNW Restoration for Flood Restoration Services
If your Vancouver home recently suffered home damage, it’s time to call the flood restoration pros at PNW Restoration for help. We know the top ways flood waters can damage so we offer 24/7 emergency response services. When the unexpected happens, you can trust that we’ll be there to combat the damage. Don’t deal with flood damage in Vancouver alone. Call us at 971-247-3597 to schedule an appointment.
