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Over the next 30 years, flooding will be one of Kansas City’s greatest disaster risks, according to the website Risk Factor. When floods occur, residents of the metro can expect to see water in their basements for the first time and take cautionary measures against water damage around their home.
With this, residents are advised to watch out for moisture, which can lead to microbial growth if not dealt with immediately. Even if you experience flooding due to a water system malfunction instead of heavy rains, it’s critical to conduct flood cleanup in Kansas City within 24 hours of clearing the water.
Here are a few essential steps you can take to reduce your costs and turn your flood restoration efforts into a success:
Ensure No Immediate Danger Is Present
If you evacuated your home during heavy flooding, ensure you return to a safe property. The standing water may have caused your foundation to weaken. It’s crucial to watch out for cracked, loose, or warped areas when entering the structure. You should also call your utility company if you notice damage to your electrical, gas, and plumbing systems.
Moreover, be sure to turn off the main connection in your fuse box to avoid shock or electrocution while inspecting your property.
Keep Your Household Safe and Healthy
The water that entered your home may have been contaminated by oil, chemicals, or raw sewage. Aside from pointing to potential pipe leaks, exposure to these elements can endanger your family’s health.
In addition, you will want to clean and disinfect belongings that got wet. The mud left by the flood may also contain the contaminants mentioned above.
Work with flood restoration experts to ensure any issue is dealt with, and damage is fixed immediately. You can also rest assured that your family can return to your home without worrying about health and safety hazards.
Assess Damage to Property
Mold or microbial growth is one of the first things to check for when you return home. This is because it can occur within 72 hours of flooding.
Providers of flood cleanup in Kansas City recommend inspecting anything affected by moisture immediately. If something is wet for less than 24 hours, like your bedding or carpeting, you are still likely able to clean and restore it.
However, damage to furniture, walls, and other areas in your household may be more significant. This requires additional attention to rehabilitation. In this case, be sure to take many photos of the damage, which can serve as proof when making an insurance claim.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Not all flood restoration efforts are created equal. For example, minimal claims and cleanup can take up to a week, while extensive repairs may last about five to six months.
You should notify your insurer as soon as possible about the damage your property incurred during a flood. It’s best then to have the number of your representative or the headquarters ready.
Clarify the next steps to ensure you’re not doing any repairs before an adjuster arrives to handle your claim. Whether or not your insurer sends an adjuster, take photos and keep documentation of the flood issues you encounter.
Get Help From Restoration Experts
You can enlist the help of professionals to bring your life back to normal after a flood. Find a reputable company to keep your sanity intact in this stressful time. A reputable company offering flood cleanup in Kansas City takes time to understand your problem. An experienced team is able to spot and resolve issues effectively and considerately, leaving your home in optimal condition.
Look for a team you can rely on to conduct hassle-free flood cleanup and restoration work for you and your family.
