When someones house catches fire and is heavily damaged it is life changing always. Almost all fires are covered by the home owners insurance usually without much question. When someones house is flooded, in a lot of cases it is not covered. That surprise, along with the devastating results of the flood itself, is likely to be twice as alarming. How does someone proceed if almost everything they own is under water because of a flood?
According on how much time the water has been standing in your house is going to conclude to at least some amount, how much water and mold destruction there has been done to the structure of a house. However long it has water standing, the end results will not be good.
Providing you are in the place like many people and find out you will not be covered by flood insurance, it may be essential to do all of the clean up and repair by yourself. This may be your only solution, and there are many precautions you have to implement. In situations similar to the Katrina hurricane, some peoples homes were inundated with water for weeks and serious structural damage happened. It was extremely dangerous for them to go inside even after the water receded.
The possibility of weakened floors and hazardous mold were both potential health risks. If the living space was only flooded for several days, the structural damage could not be nearly as bad, but mold is still likely to be a problem. Rubber gloves and safety clothing should be worn when first going into your residence. Breathing mask is important to help prevent you from inhaling the mold spores that will make you sick.
All articles should be taken out to determine what may be rescued and what can not be. Paper, of course, will have to be thrown out, but some fabric things like curtains and rugs could be cleaned for reuse if they are not molded. Glass and plastic things can be sterilized using bleach or other such products. Carpeting will probably be hopeless and usually can not be reused due to silt, mud, and other unsanitary things that likely cannot be thoroughly taken out.
Taking out the sheet rock that was damaged by water is a must. Mold will grow here very fast and can spread to the wood underneath if it is not taken out as quickly as possible. Wood flooring may need removing too. If you are unsure as to the destruction, it is best to call in a professional to examine them and have them advise you about replacing damaged wood items and the possibility of further mold development. Mold is very dangerous and if at all possible, an expert should be consulted when damage is questionable or extensive.
