During & After the floods - some practical advice | Property Repair Ltd



During & After the floods - some practical advice | Property Repair Limited

This blog is to help the public know what to do and where to turn, during and after a Flood.


Richard O'Donnell, Managing Director at Property Repair Ltd has had over 15 years Experience in dealing directly with some of the UK's largest floods, from Elgin/Moray Floods, Water of Leith Floods, Hull, Cumbria and Cockermouth.  

 


After a flood, it is important to begin water restoration procedures as soon as possible. Water has the ability to move houses on their foundations, so the sooner excess water is dealt with the better.
Some practical advice for homeowner's to consider include:-
First Steps
  • Find out if it is safe to return to your property
  • Ring your buildings and contents insurance companies as soon as possible
Dealing with your insurance claim
  • Ask your insurance company how long it will be before the loss adjuster visits and whether you are to clean your property or will they get a company to do it for you.
  • Always make your own record of flood damage. Photograph or video your damaged property and list the damage to property and contents. Make a list of any foods you have to throw away. Keep copies of all correspondence, receipts, and don't throw anything away until told.
Clearing up after a flood
  • Flood water can contain sewage, chemicals and animal waste so always wear waterproof outerwear, gloves, masks and wellingtons
  • Always ensure mains electricity supply is switched of. If not get a qualified person to do this.
  • Get water out of property using a pump and generator. Always position generators outside to avoid carbon monoxide fumes.
  • Only pump out water when flood levels outside are lower than inside. This reduces the risk of structural damage.
  • Shovel mud away evenly from both sides of wall. This stops pressure building up on one side.
  • Clean and disinfect your property using ordinary household products.
  • A garden hose is useful for washing down.
  • If drying out your property naturally keep windows and doors open as much as possible. If using dehumidifiers, close external doors and windows.
  • If you have gas or oil central heating, and it has been checked by an engineer, turn it on. Keep the thermostat between 20-22 degrees centigrade for steady drying.
  • Remove items that your insurance company has agreed you can throw away.
Further steps to protect your property
There are things you can do whilst repairing your property that will make it easier and cheaper to clean up after a future flood.
  • Lay ceramic tiles on your ground floor and use rugs instead of fitted carpets
  • Raise the height of electrical sockets to at least 1.5metres above ground floor level
  • Fit stainless steel or plastic kitchens instead of chipboard
  • Position any main parts of a heating or ventilation system upstairs or raised well above ground floor.
  • Fit none return valves to all drains and water inlet pipes
  • Use lime plaster instead of gypsum on walls.
Temporary housing
  • Flood repairs can take weeks or months to complete, especially if there has been wide scale flooding and builders are scarce. It takes time to dry out a property and some buildings have to be gutted before repair.
  • Ask your insurance company or landlord if they will provide you with temporary accommodation.



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