Basement flooding can bring multiple problems to property owners, which is why it is important to take action to lessen the damage before the professionals arrive. Use these tips the next time your basement floods.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR BASEMENT FLOODS
- Contact your local water department. Check your home's sewer condition to better understand the structure of your sanitation drain and pipeline.
- Keep your safety in mind. Before entering a flooded basement, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is the water contaminated?
- Is the basement structurally safe?
- Is there a sign of a gas leak?
- Is there a risk of electrical shock?
- Clean up. After ensuring that it is safe to enter the basement, wear proper protective equipment such as boots, gloves and eye protection, carefully shielding your skin from coming in contact with the water. Keep children and pets away from the flooded area. Be careful not to contaminate the other parts of your home when you leave the basement. Mop up excess water and disinfect all surfaces that have come in contact with the floodwater. Document contaminated items for insurance purposes before disposing of them. If building materials have been damaged, they have to be removed within 24 hours to prevent the growth of mold. It is best to call a professional like Armstrong during this critical time for a comprehensive clean and to avoid further problems that may be caused by improper cleanup.
- Contact your insurance company. Review your policy to know your coverage and call your insurance provider right away. Document all damages and keep all receipts for restoration and repairs.
- Install a waterproofing system. To prevent basement floods from occurring in the future, consider investing in an interior drainage system and waterproofing system.
How to Prevent Basement Flooding
- Regularly check your basement for cracks or weak spots.
- Inspect your pipes and sewer lines for breaks, clogs and root intrusions.
- Grade your landscape in such a way that it directs water away from your foundation.
- Extend your downspouts for at least five feet away from your home's foundation.
- Contact a professional for restoration, repairs and waterproofing.
Call Armstrong Water Mold Cleanup & Restorations Today
All workmanship is 100% guaranteed. Call Armstrong Water Mold Cleanup & Restorations at (239) 531-2000 or contact us online. We are located in 1230 Hemingway Dr., Fort Myers, FL 33912. We offer a FREE inspection and estimate and respond in 2 hours or less.
Hurricane season is underway, which makes it crucial for property owners to conduct thorough preparations to prevent incurring costly damages from a variety of sources, such as fallen trees.
Heavy rains and strong winds can cause trees to collapse on to your structure, which could be life-threatening and result to expensive repairs.
While there are experts who can restore your structure, such as ServiceMaster by Wright, preventing tree damage can save you hundreds of dollars in repairs.It is important to understand how to take proper care of trees for them to survive this season's storms.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Fallen Trees?A fallen tree is classified as a peril in insurance terms and may be included in coverage.If a tree fell due to natural causes, such as heavy rainfall, storms or strong winds, the cost of any damage to a property, garage or shed will most likely be covered by homeowners insurance.However, if negligence or poor maintenance are proven to be the cause of the tree's collapse, damages incurred will not be covered.
Insurance will typically not cover debris cleanup caused by a fallen tree, especially if no structural damage was caused.Repair costs for a neighbor's fallen tree is covered by that person's policy.For additional coverage information, contact your insurance provider.How to Spot an Unhealthy TreeAn unhealthy tree poses a increased risk of falling during a storm or severe weather.
Signs of an unhealthy tree include:Hollowed out sections (have them checked by a local arborist)Large and visible cracks found on the branches and trunksOlder treesRotting, mold or fungal growth on the bark of the treeTrees and branches leaning at a sharp angleIf any of these signs are noticed, take action immediately:Contact the local power company to report any tree limbs close to utility lines.Do not cut a tree down without professional assistance, as it can potentially cause injury.
Many Florida homeowners live close to waterfronts including beaches, rivers, or lakes, increasing the risk for flooding.
Seek a safe location immediately.File an insurance claim with insurance agents.Before re-entering the home, make certain the building is structurally sound and not in danger of collapse.Reasons to Consider Excess Flood Insurance1.
Should your property suffer loss or damage, and the cost to rebuild is more than $500,000, there will be a deficiency.
The equipment, tools, inventory, computer software, or other supplies amassed in commercial properties are vital to business operations.An excess flood policy provides coverage to replace stand-alone contents up to their actual cash value, plus protection against business interruption suffered from a flood.
Flood insurance isn't mandated by the state of Florida, but it's a common requirement of mortgage lenders, particularly for those in a high-risk flood zone.
Small amounts of water, in addition to catastrophic situations, including flash floods, can produce 10–20 foot walls of water and cause serious destruction.Rain and hurricanes are not the only causes of flooding.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that almost 40 to 60 percent of small businesses fail to reopen after a disaster hits.
Not taking the steps to prepare ahead could mean losses in profits, disrupted business operations, and costly repair work.Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to keep property damage to a minimum during unforeseen natural disasters in Southwest Florida.
Armstrong Water Mold Cleanup & Restorations has compiled some tips to help your business survive.
Make sure that your employees and staff understand it in detail.
DURING THE STORMStay tuned to the latest updates from the proper authorities to ensure that you are aware of the storm's status, the latest weather conditions, and warnings or signals issued to your area.Safety must be your priority during a storm.
Make sure that you and your family are safe and think about your business later.Focus on the emergency plan you've done beforehand and make any adjustments based on the situation you're in.
