Floods can cause extensive Damage to your home or rental property, natural or man-made. The most important thing you can do if your apartment or house floods is to stay calm. You have a better chance of mitigating mold damage, and restoring your life to normal in the shortest time possible.

You can wait for the water damage Restoration specialists to arrive at you home. Here are some things you can do, depending on whether you are a homeowner or a renter.

Flood Restoration Checklist For Homeowners

If you are able to know what to do after a flood, water damage can be minimized.

• Turn off the main water supply to prevent flooding from leaky appliances, burst pipes or backed up drains.
• Switch off the electrical breaker to remove electronics and appliances from flood-damaged areas. Do not attempt to turn on lights in flood-damaged homes.
• Before restoration starts, take pictures to document the damage.
• Protect yourself from contaminants by wearing protective clothing, such as gloves and rubber boots, during cleanup
• To prevent permanent staining, place aluminum foil squares under the legs of furniture
• To keep textiles from getting wet, lift curtains and attach furniture skirts.
• Throw away any food or kitchenware that has come into contact with floodwater. This includes canned food and sealed water bottles.
• To prevent further damage from continuing rains, cover the roof with a sheet of plastic and board up the windows until these areas can be permanently repaired.
• To start the claims process, call your insurance company

Flood Damage Checklist For Renters

Many of the same points as the checklist above also apply to property tenants. These are additional steps to follow:

• Report flooding due to rain or damaged appliances immediately so your landlord can resolve the issue before it gets worse.
• Transfer valuable possessions from your car to a friend’s home or unaffected area in your apartment.
• Use plastic bins, trash containers, or barriers to stop water leaking and keep it contained
• Discuss the matter with your landlord. While landlord insurance will cover the costs of repairing the building, including any appliances, you might need renter’s coverage to cover any damage to personal property. You may be eligible to seek compensation for personal property if your landlord has not taken action after you reported the problem.

Do Not Delay Flood Restoration

It is crucial to begin the restoration process as quickly as possible by making immediate efforts after a flood in your apartment or house. If you are determined to restore your home to its original glory, it is important to seek professional help immediately.