Who to Call in a Flood Emergency
If you are ever in a situation where you have water damage in your home, it is important to know who to call. Many people don’t realize that they can call their insurance company for help, and instead try to clean up the mess on their own. This can often lead to more damage, and more expenses down the road.
In this guide, we will discuss who you should call in a flood emergency, and why it is important to seek help from professionals.
What to Do During a Flood
If there is a flood warning in your area, be sure to take the following steps:
Move to higher ground
You need to move to higher ground immediately. If you wait, it might be too late. Do not try to drive through floodwaters, as this can lead to you hydroplaning or getting swept off the road.
Avoid flood waters
Flood waters are often dirty, and may contain chemical pollutants, sewage, or sharp objects that can hurt you. Do not touch or wade through the water if you can help it.
Listen to the news
Keep up with local news and weather reports so you know when the floodwaters will reach your area. You should also make sure you have a battery-operated or hand-crank radio in case the power goes out.
Evacuate if told to
If you are ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. Do not wait around to see how bad the flood will get.
Stay connected
Let your family and friends know you are safe. Use text messages, social media, or email if possible. A phone call uses up a lot of battery power, and the signal might not be strong enough depending on the weather or on your location, so keep these in mind as well.
Prepare an emergency kit
Put together a kit of supplies that you will need if you have to evacuate. Include items like food, water, medications, a first-aid kit, and important documents.
Make a plan
Come up with an evacuation plan, so everyone in your family knows what to do if you have to leave. Make sure you have a designated meeting place, and that everyone knows how to get there.
So Who Exactly Should You Call?
When your home floods, you will most likely have two types of damage: water damage, and structural damage. Water damage is any type of damage caused by water, such as stained walls, wet carpets, or a leaky roof.
Structural damage is any type of damage to the actual structure of your home, such as a cracked foundation or a collapsed roof. Here are some people you should call in a flood emergency:
Your insurance agent
The first person you should call after a flood is your insurance agent. They will be able to help you start the claims process, and advise you on what steps to take next.
If you don’t have insurance, or if your policy doesn’t cover flood damage, you can still get assistance from the government or other organizations.
A water damage restoration company
If your home or business has suffered water damage as a result of a flood, you will need to contact a water damage restoration company as soon as possible. Water damage can lead to mold growth and other serious problems, so it is important to take care of it right away.
The sooner you call a water damage restoration company, the sooner they can start the process of assessing the severity of the situation using their moisture testing equipment, and cleaning up your water damage. Calling them as early as possible is the easiest way to ensure the safety of your property, as well as the best way to get your life back to normal.
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A plumber
If you have experienced a flood, it is likely that your plumbing has been affected. You will need to call a plumber to come and assess the damage, and make any necessary repairs.
Flood water can be very damaging to plumbing, so it is important to get this sorted out as soon as possible.
A structural engineer
If you have any structural damage, you will need to call a structural engineer. A structural engineer will be able to assess the damage, and tell you what needs to be done to repair it.
They will also be able to work with your insurance company to make sure that all of the damage is covered.
Your local emergency management office
Your local emergency management office will be able to provide you with information about where to find shelter, and how to get assistance. They will also be able to provide you with information about road closures and evacuation routes.
Emergency flood service
Emergency flood service providers are available to help you clean up and repair flood damage. These emergency flood services are typically provided by local governments, but in some cases, private companies may offer these services as well.
Regardless, you can call emergency flood service if your home has been flooded, and you need help with the cleanup and repair process.
Frequently Asked Questions
1
Why do I need to call a structural water leak repair service?
The first reason is to protect your home or business from further damage. Water can cause a lot of damage to a structure, and the sooner you can get it repaired, the better.
2
Is flood insurance purchase necessary?
Not everyone needs to purchase flood insurance, but it is something you should consider if you live in an area that is prone to flooding. Flood insurance can help cover the cost of repairs and replacement if your home or business is damaged by a flood.
3
Do emergency water damage services cover all types of water damage?
No, emergency water damage services typically only cover damage caused by a flood. If you have other types of water damage, such as from a leaky roof or broken pipe, you will need to contact a different type of company.
4
What flood insurance policy should I purchase?
There are many different types of flood insurance policies, so you will need to speak with your insurance agent to determine which one is right for you.
In a flood-related emergency, it is important to know who to call for help. You should start by contacting your insurance agent, followed by a water damage restoration company and a plumber.
If you have any structural damage, you will need to call a structural engineer. Lastly, your local emergency management office will be able to provide you with information and assistance. By following these steps, you can ensure that you get the help you need in a flood emergency.
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