If you live in Seattle or anywhere around the Washington area, you know the geography places you squarely in the path of three major flood risks—rivers swelling beyond their banks, surging coastal tides, and the urban sprawl disrupting natural water drainage.
In a typical cycle, about every five years, this area endures what locals have come to call a “water event.” It usually unfolds with heavy snowfall that, upon a rapid temperature rise, is quickly followed by rain. The rain accelerates the melting process, which results in an influx of water that overwhelms drainage systems and, inevitably, finds its way into basements.
Immediate Steps to Take When Your House Floods
No matter how well-designed your property is for dryness, it can still be dealing with house flooding when you live in the Greater Seattle area. We recommend taking the following steps:
Find and stop the water source
If your flood isn’t due to a natural disaster, try to find where the water is coming from. It could be a burst pipe or a broken appliance. The quickest way to stop it is by turning off the main water supply to your home. Make it a point to know where this valve is beforehand, so you are not searching during a flood.
Electricity should be turned off
After stopping the water flow, the next priority is to cut the power by switching off your home’s electrical systems. This is important for safety but remember, do not walk through water to reach your fuse box. If the box is unreachable without stepping in water, it’s safer to call the professionals at GotRot.
Leave the house
If the flooding is from something inside your house, like a plumbing issue, you and everyone else should leave and go somewhere dry and safe. Head to your backyard or a neighbor’s house. Make sure everyone, pets included, is accounted for and safe. In situations like natural disasters, follow local news or guidelines to find shelter, relocate, and seek medical attention.
Call for help
Once you are in a safe place, call for help. If there are any injuries, dial 911 or emergency services immediately. For homeowners, the next call is to your insurance company to report the flood. Renters should inform their landlords about the situation as soon as possible.
Record the damage
Before you start cleaning up, take a moment to document all the house flood damage restoration. Use your phone to take pictures or videos of everything affected by the flood. This is important for your insurance claim. Remember, flood water or a sewage leak can be dangerous, so avoid touching the water or wear appropriate protective gear if you must go in.
Start the cleanup process
Cleaning up after a flood—be it from a storm surge or failed plumbing—means removing water, drying out the area, salvaging any personal items, and disinfecting everything. Protect yourself from harmful bacteria from any damaged sewer lines by wearing suitable safety gear.
Tackle mold right away
Floods can cause mold to grow, which is a major health hazard. Keep everything as dry as possible and clean any potential mold-prone areas with bleach. Check out FEMA’s guidelines on handling hazardous material like mold or mildew after your home floods for more detailed information.
Mold Inspection After Flood Damage
One serious concern that may arise after a flood is the growth of mold. Mold can start to develop within 24 to 48 hours after water damage occurs, posing health risks and further damaging your property. To effectively address mold issues and ensure the safety and integrity of your home, a thorough mold inspection and remediation process is essential.
GotRot is dedicated to providing a thorough and professional mold inspection to help you address and resolve mold issues effectively. Our mold inspectors will conduct a detailed assessment of your home to identify all areas affected by flood damage and mold growth. We will assess wet materials, take photographs, and assist you every step of the way until your house is mold-free.
Act Quickly to Restore Your Property
When water floods your home, you need to move fast to cut down on the harm this water can cause over time. To begin, look over your homeowner’s insurance policy to know exactly what kind of support you have to cover flood damage.
You will also need a clear assessment of the damage, followed by the removal of all standing and hidden water. This job is best left to professionals because they are equipped with the powerful vacuums you need to suck up the water quickly and efficiently. Getting this water out right away helps prevent further damage. A common issue after flooding is the musty smell left behind. To combat this, our team uses heavy-duty fans, air movers, a sump pump, and dehumidifiers to circulate the air and pull moisture out of the environment.
Keep in mind that the process of water mitigation from the flooded house takes a fair amount of time. At GotRot, we aim to get it done within a week, but the total time depends on how much water there is and the extent of the damage it has caused. Initially, the priority is to remove standing water. After the area is dry, there is a better chance to closely inspect for damage to the structure of the home.
Flood Damage? Let Our Experts Guide You Back to Dry Ground
Before you rush to file a flood insurance claim, take a moment to assess how severe the damage is. Clearing out water and getting everything dry again might seem easy at first, but it may require professional tools and expertise to do properly.That is where the certified professionals at GotRot become invaluable. We come prepared with the right equipment and the expertise needed to fix water damage quickly. Having us help you through the flood recovery process can make everything seem less overwhelming. We will walk you through each step so everything is done right. If you are in the greater Seattle area and facing flood issues, call us at 206-312-5168 or contact us online for a free quote.