The Texas flood plains can wreak havoc on homes. Many residents elect to purchase flood insurance, but some don’t realize that it can take 30 days for a new flood insurance policy to take effect in the state. Even if you don’t have flood insurance, there are some steps you can take to ensure that a flooded home doesn’t kill your ability to sell in the future.
The first thing to do is to contact the local department in charge of documenting floods. Often this is the Watershed Protection Department. Flood inspectors will look at your damage and categorize it as either major or minor damage. A lot of that has to do with the level of the water line and whether damage has taken place just to the exterior of the home or the interior. These are factors that the homeowner will want to consider too, as it can help you assess where to place your repair efforts and which damage control to prioritize. When there is actual structural damage to the home this is considered major flood damage and it must be addressed first.
Precautions When Approaching a Flooded Home
Structural damage should be looked at before you even think about entering your home. Collapsing buildings are no joke, and safety must come first. If there is any doubt, don’t proceed into the home. Instead, use a camera or video footage to document the damage. It is important to avoid using sources of open flame such as cigarettes, lighters and matches in case gas has been released and trapped during the flood. You also do not want to turn on any electricity until a licensed electrician has come in to check out the status and safety of your system. If you have to go inside to look around, use a flashlight and open drapes for light but keep the power off until given the all clear.
Depending on the level of flooding there may be broken glass, boards, nails and slippery mud that can be fall hazards, so watch your step. You will also want to watch out for snakes and animals that may have entered the home through broken windows and structural openings. Documenting damage in the house with photographs is important to filing an insurance claim as well as assessing the need for flood remediation, but it is also the responsibility of the homeowner to secure the premises so that it does not present a hazard so consider external fortification first. Make sure you are in compliance with local regulations regarding permits for any temporary or permanent fixes to a flood damaged home.
Removing Potential Damage Causing Property
Once you‘ve been cleared to proceed with cleaning up and repairing the damage, you will want to remove any perishable foods and medicines that have come into contact with mud or water within the first 48 hours if possible. Left to rot, these items will quickly create mold and have the potential to create additional damage that can make getting your home back in shape even more costly.
Furnishings and clothing that have come in contact with the water need to be removed from the home as soon as possible so that they can be cleaned or disposed of properly. Items that harbor wetness will continue to depreciate value the longer they sit. Creating a clear space so that the interior can be dried, cleared of mud and debris, is just the start of the process when reclaiming a house after a flood. Minimizing additional damage within the first 48 hours after a flood will improve your chances of successfully restoring the value of your house.