Floods are natural disasters that can strike without warning, leaving behind a trail of devastation and destruction. Knowing what to do in the event of a flood can be the difference between life and death. Our Florida flood damage lawyers are here to help you get the money you deserve from your insurance company.
What Is a Flood?
A flood occurs when a large amount of water inundates an area, like when heavy rain falls in a short time or due to melting snow/ice. In such cases, water overflows and covers land that is usually dry.
Floods can be caused by various factors, such as overflowing lakes and rivers, silt accumulation from surface runoff, mudslides resulting from heavy rain or melting snow, and extreme weather conditions.
Potential Risks
Floods can blur the line between safety and disaster, with standing waters carrying the potential of spreading diseases, exposing people to chemical hazards, and even leading to accidental injuries.
Some of the potential risks a flood can cause include:
- Loss of human life
- Damage caused to properties and infrastructure. It can range from minor repairs to complete reconstruction or major renovations. Road closures, erosion, and landslide risks
- Crop destruction and livestock loss
- Health risks due to water contamination
- Housing displacement
7 Steps to Stay Safe During a Flood
Here are some recommended steps to follow, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), if you find yourself in a flood situation.
- Gather emergency supplies.
- Keep an ear out for news updates on your local radio or TV station so that you stay informed.
- To ensure that you have enough supply of clean drinking water, fill bathtubs, sinks, gallon jars, or plastic soda bottles.
- Because of adverse weather conditions, it’s essential to bring in any outdoor items such as lawn furniture, grills, and trash cans or secure them properly outside.
- In the event of an evacuation, shut off all utilities at the primary power switch and close the gas valve to ensure safety.
- It’s important to evacuate any areas located in places that are prone to flooding, such as depressions, canyons, and washes. Doing so will help protect you from potential danger.
- Keep your immunization documents organized and accessible at all times. Make sure to store them in a waterproof container for additional protection.
What to Do After the Flood
After a flood has passed, we recommend following the next steps to ensure that your property is safe and secure.
Check Your Home
If you encounter water in your living space, always make sure to shut off the power from a dry and safe location.
In case of a gas smell or suspected gas leak, make sure to turn off the main gas valve, open all windows, and leave your house in a safe location right away.
After experiencing damage from flooding or storms, it’s important to dry out the home right away to avoid the growth of mold.
If your house gets flooded, it is important to practice safe cleaning to prevent further damage or health issues. Taking appropriate safety measures while cleaning is essential to ensure the safety of your family and property.
Document
Taking pictures of the damage as soon as it is safe to do so is highly recommended. It’s even better if you can snap some shots before any cleanup begins so that the full extent of the destruction can be accurately communicated.
This is a great way to give a comprehensive understanding of the damage caused when filing a claim with your insurance company.
Notify Your Insurance
Time is of the essence when it comes to informing your insurance company after a flood. It is important to do this as soon as possible while ensuring that all the necessary documents are in place and your flood insurance claim is completed accurately.
Provide detailed information on what occurred and make a list of everything that was impacted. This is important to ensure accurate coverage.
Mitigate Losses
Taking preventive measures to limit potential losses can be beneficial in the long run. Policies require homeowners to take action against any potential damage, as long as it is within their means and practical.
Speak to the Experts
Being well-informed and prepared in advance can make all the difference when it comes to staying safe and minimizing damage during a flood. Having the assistance of experienced lawyers can greatly increase your chances of successfully claiming insurance and receiving the compensation you need to recover from the damages caused by a flood.
Here at Klotzman Property Damage Law, we advocate for fair compensation so you can properly restore and repair any damage.
Schedule your free case review today with our Florida property damage attorneys. When insurance companies fail, Klotzman Property Damage Law succeeds.
