After a Flood: Practical Guide to Regain Control!

Written by sgauthier on 24/02/2025. Posted in Non classé.

Floods can cause significant damage, leaving a devastated home and a sense of helplessness. If you’ve been affected by a flood, it’s crucial to know what steps to take to protect your health, home, and belongings.

Here is a practical guide to help you through this ordeal:

1. Ensure Your Safety First

The first thing to do after a flood is to prioritize your safety and that of your loved ones. Follow these crucial steps:

Avoid flooded areas: The water may be contaminated or contain hazardous debris. Avoid walking in the water if possible.
Turn off the electricity: If your home has been flooded, cut the power to avoid the risk of electrocution. If your electrical panel is in a flooded basement, contact an electrician.
Check the building’s stability: Before entering your home, ensure the structure is safe. If in doubt, seek professional help.

2. Document the Damage

Before starting the cleanup process, it’s essential to document the damage for insurance purposes:

Take photos: Capture as many photos and videos of the damage as possible, including personal belongings, walls, floors, and damaged appliances.
Make a list of damaged items: Record each damaged or lost item and include an estimate of its value.

3. Notify Authorities and Your Insurer

Contact your insurance company: Inform them of the damages and follow their instructions for filing a claim. If you can’t reach your insurer, contact the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
Report the damage to your municipality: In some cases, local authorities must be notified, especially if public infrastructure is affected.
Inquire about financial assistance measures for disaster victims.

4. Start the Cleanup Process

Cleaning up after a flood is a demanding but necessary task to avoid health risks. Start as soon as the water has receded:

Wear protective gear: Use gloves, waterproof boots, and a mask to avoid contact with contaminated water.
Remove standing water: Use submersible pumps, buckets, or seek assistance from local services for sewer backups.
Ventilate your home: Open all windows and use fans to help dry the interior.
Clean and disinfect: Wash all walls, floors, and surfaces with soapy water, then disinfect them with appropriate products to eliminate mold and bacteria.

Consider hiring a post-disaster cleaning company, which may be more expensive but can reduce stress.

5. Sort Damaged Items

After a flood, some items can be salvaged, while others must be discarded:

Dispose of unrecoverable items: Wooden furniture, carpets, and mattresses that have absorbed water are usually irreparable and should be discarded at the curb for special collection or taken to your local eco-center.
Clean and dry salvageable items: Plastic or metal objects can be cleaned and disinfected. Important documents should be dried quickly to prevent destruction.

6. Prevent Future Floods

Once the situation is under control, it’s essential to think about ways to minimize the risk of future flooding:

Improve your home’s waterproofing: Install flood barriers like FlowStop and reinforce the waterproofing of walls and windows.
Install a submersible pump and backwater valve.
Maintain your drains and gutters: Keep them clear to allow effective water drainage.
Elevate electrical appliances: Place appliances and heating systems on platforms for protection.
Prepare an emergency kit.
Verify your flood insurance coverage with your insurer.
Consult flood risk maps to see if you are in a vulnerable area.
Stay alert and take action when extreme weather events are predicted.

Facing a flood can be challenging, but with the right steps, you can regain control and protect your home from future disasters. Consider preventive measures to reduce future risks and the associated stress. Stay strong and methodical through this ordeal, and you will regain your peace of mind.