DOS AND DON’TS OF DEALING WITH FLOOD DAMAGE
Take care to avoid making mistakes amid overwhelming aftermath of disasters
We just had a huge summer storm in Toronto that led to a lot of homeowners experiencing major flood damage. I hate hearing stories about people suffering due to an unavoidable natural disaster. Dealing with a disaster can feel overwhelming, and many homeowners don’t know the first place to start. Here are some of the biggest oversights I’ve seen when it comes to flooding. Don’t do these things, and you’ll be well on your way to making it right.
MOVING TOO FAST
I know that when disaster strikes, the urge to act immediately can be overwhelming. But it pays to take a step back and consider everything carefully. First, call your insurance company and file your claim — this you’ll want to do as soon as possible to get the ball rolling.
Your next step you should take a little more carefully: It’s time to hire your clean up and flood remediation team. That will include cleanup companies, contractors, and electricians at the bare minimum. Your insurance provider will likely provide you a list of potential companies who they think are up to the job, but you still need to do your own homework and make sure they’ll be the team who can help you make things right.
Always take the time to check their references, and ask the right questions. Get a good sense of who the contractor is before you sign any contract. And always beware of the contractor who shows up at the door after a flood. The good contractors don’t need to hunt for work — and you never know who really is showing up at the door.
There are a lot of good ones out there who will make it right for you, but after a big disaster is when you need to be wary. There could be a few bad apples out there just looking to make a quick buck and move on to the next job.
NOT INSPECTING THE ELECTRICAL
I don’t have to tell you that water and electricity don’t mix, but it bears repeating, especially in the aftermath of a flood. If you’ve got a flooded space and standing water has reached outlets or electronics, do NOT set foot in the water. That water could be charged with an electrical current. Your electrical set up is not something you want to take chances with. In any minor instances of flooding, I would call my electrical contractor to come in and check it out once the water’s been dealt with. This is especially true if the water has reached as high as the electrical panel, outlets, or switches. Get the A- OK before you turn the power back on.
NOT WAITING UNTIL IT’S ALL DRY
When the water gets in, it soaks through everything. Carpet, furniture and your drywall can all be damaged beyond repair. In the case of drywall, you’ll want to remove one foot above the water line, at minimum.
Your clean up crew will come in and decide which items can be salvaged, but when it comes to what’s behind your walls, you want your contractor to open them right up. The wall studs need to properly dry out, or they can become a breeding ground for mould spores.
NOT GETTING AN AIR TEST
Even if everything looks clean and back in order, your air quality may be compromised, especially if things weren’t able to completely dry out. That could lead to mould and mildew growth.
Contaminated indoor air can trigger health problems like asthma and allergies, or even more serious respiratory issues. Make sure you have an air quality test performed. Many home inspectors offer this service, or you can get a DIY kit and have the results tested by a lab. Don’t skip it. If your indoor air quality isn’t close to the same level as the air outside, you’ve still got work todo.
DOING IT ALL YOURSELF
In very minor cases of water and mould, you can handle the cleanup yourself. But I’m talking mould that covers less than 10 square feet. In that case, if you’re comfortable doing the work, always wear the proper safety gear. You’ll want goggles, gloves, respirator and disposable clothing so you don’t breathe in mould spores, or accidentally transfer them elsewhere in the home.
Many homeowners think you can clean up mould with bleach, but you can’t!
Bleach will take care of surface mould, but won’t kill the roots, which can cause the mould to grow back. Look for a cleaning solution that eradicates mould at its root source.
Watch Mike Holmes in his series, Holmes Makes It Right, on HGTV. For more information, visit makeitright.ca.