Bursted pipes? What to do if your property floods.

Stop the water at its source:
If flooding isn’t a result of a natural disaster, identify and shut off the water source. The main water valve to the house is usually the easiest to access. Locate it beforehand to swiftly respond to water emergencies.

Turn off the electricity:
After stopping the water source, switch off all electrical systems in your home. Avoid walking through water to reach the fuse box. If it’s inaccessible without stepping through water, seek the assistance of an electrician.

Evacuate the premises:
In the case of a burst pipe or sewage leak, evacuate the premises and find a dry, safe location outside your home. Ensure everyone, including kids, pets, and visitors, is safe and accounted for. During a natural disaster, relocate to a temporary shelter as directed by authorities or local news.
Check our guide on preparing kids for emergencies for resources to help them understand safe behavior during floods.

Call for help:
Once everyone is on dry ground, prioritize safety and call for help. Dial 911 for medical emergencies. After confirming everyone’s safety, contact the necessary parties to initiate the recovery process. It’s best to contact a licensed professional.

• For renters: Inform your landlord about the situation as soon as everyone is safe.
• For homeowners: Contact your insurer to report water damage. Clarify whether you need to wait for an adjuster before starting cleanup and repairs.

Document everything:
Before initiating cleanup, document the extent of the damage to show your insurer. Use your cellphone camera to film or photograph all aspects of the issue. Take extreme precautions, as the water may contain hazardous materials. Wear appropriate protective gear like waders and waterproof boots before entering the home.

Start the cleanup process:
Cleaning up after a flood is a lengthy process. Remove water, salvage personal items, dry the space, and disinfect areas or objects touched by water. Undertake these tasks while wearing safety gear to avoid bacterial contact. The Red Cross has a manual to guide you through these steps. Consider reviewing it and ensuring you have adequate supplies on hand for potential flood situations. In most cases it’s best to contact a local water damage and restoration company for assistance.

Prevent mold damage:
Beyond the immediate loss, consider secondary damage such as mold. Mold, especially toxic or black mold, can have long-term health effects. To prevent mold, keep flooded areas as dry as possible and treat potential problem areas with a strong cleaner, like a bleach solution. FEMA provides helpful instructions on dealing with mold and mildew after a home floods.

To minimize damage, prevent mold and salvage as many of your belongings as possible contact a 24 hour water damage and restoration specialist in your area.