What To Do Before A Flood

CONTENTS

• Stay informed about the weather
• Prepare your home for a flood
• Make sure your insurance covers flooding
• How to restore your property after a flood
• Get in touch today

Flooding can endanger people's lives, damage your property, and leave behind lasting consequences. To protect your home and loved ones against the devastating effects of a flood, you need to make sure you are best prepared for one. 

At ICE Cleaning, we have flood restoration experts available nationwide, 24/7 who are ready to restore your home to its previous condition. Our comprehensive flood damage cleaning services include drying solutions and can quickly make your home safe again. 

Keep reading to learn more about the different things to do before a flood.

Stay informed about the weather 

It's crucial to stay on top of weather updates as they happen so you can understand the full extent of the potential flood and how to respond to it, especially as water levels start rising. Check local news channels and the Met Office website frequently for real-time weather alerts.

You should also make sure your mobile phone has essential numbers saved such as for the local authorities, emergency services, and flood warning systems in the event of a flood.

Even following environmental agencies and reputable news outlets on social media can keep you informed with speedy updates about the situation.

Alternatively, set up automatic notifications on your phone so you are instantly informed of weather alerts and flooding in your local area. 

Prepare your home for a flood

When water levels rise, one of the first things you should do is shut off gas, electricity, and water supplies at the mains. To make sure you're not caught out in an emergency, familiarise yourself with how to turn off your utilities. If unsure about any steps, ask a professional or contact your utility provider directly for guidance.

You should then look into putting your flood defences in place, if you have any. Here are some of the most popular flood defences you should consider purchasing and having on-hand in the event of a flood:

• Sandbags are traditional yet effective; they absorb water slowly which buys you precious time during minor floods 
• Purpose-built flood barriers can block water coming through doorways
• Non-return valves are a popular flood defence that can stop the backflow of nasty sewer surprises

You can find out more about how to prepare for a flood in this blog. 

Make sure your insurance covers flooding

Flood cover is usually included in most home insurance policies. To make sure you are covered, check what your policy does and does not include, and see if there are any exclusions. Exclusions to be wary of include damage to fences and gates, and a burst pipe causing water damage in the home. 

Policies tend to vary, so don't forget to see if you have the right cover for your specific needs. 

Even if you live in a high flood risk area, you can get reasonably priced home insurance that includes flood cover. In 2016, the Association of British Insurers launched the Flood Re scheme which means that if your insurer pays out for a claim, they can claim back some of the money from the Flood Re fund to reduce their financial risk. 

How to restore your property after a flood

Floods can wreak havoc on properties, leaving behind water damage and potential health hazards. Restoring your home requires swift action and the right approach.

Assess the damage

The first step in restoration is assessing how much damage has been done. Safety comes first, so make sure it's safe to re-enter your property. Look for structural damages like warped floors or unstable walls that might pose risks. Remember, hidden dangers could lurk beneath surfaces; this is where professional help becomes crucial.

Contact experts who specialize in post-flood assessments to get a clear picture of what needs fixing. They will spot issues you may miss and guide you through the next steps effectively.

Dry out your property

Once it’s safe, start drying out your place immediately as moisture can lead to mould growth within 24 to 48 hours. Flood restoration professionals will have the specialist equipment to remove any standing water and dry out the property including industrial dehumidifiers.

Clean and sanitise your home

Floodwater is not clean. It often contains contaminants ranging from sewage waste to chemicals.

Professional cleaners can safely and thoroughly clean up your home. They will have the personal protective equipment, cleaning products, and disinfectants to kill any pathogens and make your home a clean space, again.

The significance of engaging professionals cannot be overstated. They bring expertise along with specialised equipment that vastly improves the chances of restoring a property as close as possible to its previous condition. They can even manage tasks like removing drywall insulation or treating beams to prevent wood rot.

Specialist cleaners can take care of the entire process of making your home a safe space to occupy, and give you peace of mind it will all be dealt with. 

Get in touch today

Give our team a call on 0208 066 0360 or send an email to enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk to get your free, no-obligation quote for our flood restoration services.