How to Avoid Water Damage During Hurricane Season
It’s hurricane season, and for many homeowners, that brings the threat of water damage, expensive repairs, and heartache. Fortunately, you can take steps to avoid water damage during hurricane season.
Tips for Preparing Your Home for Hurricane Season
As contractors in the field of water damage, we understand how frustrating it can be to wait the hurricane season out. Instead of waiting and hoping for the best, we recommend you take the following precautions.
1. Elevate electronics.
Naturally, flood damage occurs from the ground up. We recommend that you move cords and electronic equipment as high off the ground as possible. Store computers, television sets, etc. on tall shelves if you can.
2. Seal away important documents or belongings.
You can’t place your entire home in an airtight container. However, you should invest in a waterproof case for important papers and other expensive belongings. Birth certificates, passports, family heirlooms, jewelry, etc. should all be sealed tight to prevent being washed away in a flood.
3. Put away rugs.
Even small floods or rain damage can cause mold and mildew to develop underneath carpet. During hurricane season, it is best if you roll up area rugs and store them off the ground to prevent mold spores from accumulating.
4. Anchor exterior furniture and appliances.
If you have furniture or lawn care equipment located outside your home, invest in an anchoring kit to keep it all locked down.
5. Lay tarps.
Tarps aren’t exactly convenient for daily living, but if your home is located in a hurricane hot spot, consider laying tarps over your flooring, furniture, and other belongings. Additionally, you should seal your door and window frames to prevent excess moisture from leaking through.
6. Place equipment and furniture on concrete blocks.
Another way to elevate belongings is to set them on top of heavy-duty stones or blocks. They won’t look pretty, but they just might get the job done.
What to Do in the Event of Water Damage
What if you’re too late or the flood was too strong? Water damage is scary and frustrating, but stay calm, even if you lose important belongings. Take the following steps if your home is damaged by water during hurricane season.
1. Send pictures of the damage to your insurance provider.
Take clear pictures of each affected area within your home. Damaged floors, walls, ceilings, or belongings must be documented for insurance purposes.
2. Ventilate as well as you can.
Run overhead and portable fans, open doors and windows, and do your best to air out the entire home.
3. Invest in several dehumidifiers.
Dehumidifiers are helpful tools in the event of minimal water damage. They remove excess moisture from the air and can help prevent mold damage.
4. Contact a professional to remove standing water and inspect potential mold growth.
If the flood was bad enough to produce standing water in your home, don’t try to clean it up yourself. Contact a professional water damage contractor to remove the standing water and assess additional damage.
What is RAF?
RAF’s purpose is to protect the rights and make heard the voices of honest, hard-working, independent contractors. We advocate for professionals in the mold, fire, water, and wind damage industry. If you are interested in becoming a member of RAF or have any further questions, call us today.