The impact of a flood doesn’t end when waters recede. The damage left in the wake of a flood isn’t limited to homes but can impact workplaces, schools, and infrastructure. This halts normal life and can make those affected feel powerless. It’s important to have a plan to guide you through this difficult time.
The Importance of Stress Management in Flood Recovery
The devastation of a flood can be overwhelming, and it can be hard to know where to start. It’s crucial to keep your emotional wellbeing in mind. Although it’s an incredibly stressful process, pace yourself by taking recovery one step at a time.
Get Organized
The first step in flood recovery is organization. Take inventory of everything you have, then make a list of items you still need to salvage or replace. Prioritize items of particular value or importance, and note where they can be found in your home.
Assess the Damage
Once it’s safe for you to survey damage to your home or workplace, be sure to bring a digital camera. Before you remove any water or make any repairs, fully document the damage by taking photos or video. This is important to do before you make any attempts to dewater or make repairs. Even if you don’t have flood insurance, pictures are helpful and sometimes necessary when applying for government disaster assistance. Keep in mind that flood water may be contaminated by sewage or household chemicals. Wear rubber gloves and boots any time you come in contact with flood water.
Register With FEMA
When a region has been officially declared a “disaster area” by the government, property owners have access to more significant resources. This can include access to financial assistance and temporary housing. Your flood insurance company may have more information, but if you don’t have that, you can contact FEMA directly.
Salvage
Mold can develop in as little as 24 hours after a flood. Once you’ve documented the damage, it’s vital to remove wet material, such as carpeting and bedding. If furniture is submerged for more than a day, those items will likely need to be disposed of.
Weigh Future Options
Deciding whether to rebuild your home or cut your losses and move is a difficult one. This dilemma weighs financial concerns, sentimental attachments, and future risk. This is especially true for homes that are not in floodplains or previously considered to be at risk for flooding. It can help to speak with a professional about what the best options are.
Practice Prevention
Looking towards the future, it’s important to make sure you have a plan of action for flooding. Keep all vital documents, such as birth certificates, passports and emergency cash in one location. Keeping these items secure and portable will allow you to grab them quickly in the event of an impending flood. Learn more about flood insurance policies available to you, and consider investing in a temporary inflatable bladder dam to protect your home from flood damage.
Hope For The Best, Plan For the Worst
Flooding can happen almost anywhere, but especially if you live in a low-lying area near a body of water, such as near a river, coastline or bayou. While no one wants to think about natural disasters, it’s important to prepare for anything. Keeping an emergency kit with important documents, food, water, and clothing, is always a good idea. Being proactive in the face of uncertainty can give you a sense of control and reassurance to carry you through difficult times.
Contact Us to learn more about inflatable water dams for flood prevention.
