Kansas City experiences its fair share of severe weather, from thunderstorms to intense rainfall. When these storms lead to flooding, it can be overwhelming for homeowners. While it might be tempting to wait it out or take a wait-and-see approach, taking quick action after storm flooding is essential to minimize damage and protect your property. This article explores why acting fast is so important and what steps homeowners can take to address flooding after a storm.
The Immediate Risks of Storm Flooding
When storm flooding occurs, the most immediate concern is the safety of the people living in the home. Floodwaters can bring a variety of hazards, including electrical risks, contaminated water, and structural issues. But even after the immediate danger has passed, standing water inside a home can lead to a range of problems that can escalate quickly if not dealt with promptly.
One major issue that can arise is water infiltration into walls, flooring, and insulation. Moisture in these areas can be difficult to detect at first, but it can create the perfect environment for mold to thrive. In as little as 24-48 hours, mold can start to grow, causing health concerns and potentially leading to expensive remediation work.
Jacob Ross, a Mitigation Manager at Fine Restoration, has seen this happen far too often. “After storm flooding, time is everything. The longer water sits in a home, the more damage it can cause, and it’s not always visible right away. We’ve had cases where homeowners waited a few days before calling for help, and by then, mold had already started to spread behind their walls,” Jacob explained.
How Flooding Can Impact Your Home
There are several ways that storm flooding can impact a home, and the damage can be both immediate and long-term. Some of the most common issues include:
Structural Damage:
Floodwater can weaken the structural integrity of a home, especially if it infiltrates the foundation or wooden framing. This can lead to warped floors, cracks in the walls, and compromised support beams.
Damage to Electrical Systems:
If water comes into contact with electrical outlets, wiring, or appliances, it can create a dangerous situation. Even after the water recedes, there’s a risk of electrical fires or shocks if the system isn’t properly inspected.
Mold and Mildew Growth:
As mentioned earlier, mold can start growing quickly after flooding. It thrives in dark, damp areas like basements, behind walls, and under flooring. Mold not only damages property but can also pose health risks, especially for those with allergies or respiratory issues.
Damage to Belongings:
Furniture, electronics, and personal items can be severely damaged by floodwater. In some cases, these items can be salvaged if they are dried and cleaned quickly, but in other cases, they may be lost for good.
Steps to Take Immediately After Storm Flooding
If your home has been affected by storm flooding, here are some steps to take immediately:
Ensure Safety First:
Before entering a flooded area, make sure that it’s safe to do so. Avoid standing water if there’s a risk of electrical shock, and watch out for structural issues like sagging ceilings or buckling floors.
Stop the Source of Water:
If the flooding is due to a broken pipe or another internal issue, turn off the main water supply to stop the flow of water.
Document the Damage:
Take photos and videos of the damage to your home and belongings. This documentation can be useful when filing an insurance claim.
Start Water Removal and Drying:
The faster you can start removing water and drying out the affected areas, the better. While you can begin this process on your own with a wet/dry vacuum or fans, it’s often best to call in professionals to ensure that the job is done thoroughly.
If you need quick help, Fine Restoration is the company to call. Their team is known for providing fast, reliable flood damage restoration services in Kansas City. They are available 24/7 to handle emergencies and have the equipment and expertise to extract water, dry out affected areas, and prevent further damage.
The Role of Professional Restoration Services
While homeowners can take some initial steps after storm flooding, professional restoration services are often needed to fully address the damage. Fine Restoration’s team includes certified technicians like Devan Johnson and Briana Hulett, who have years of experience in water damage restoration. They use advanced equipment to detect hidden moisture, dry out the affected areas, and perform mold remediation if necessary.
Professional restoration services can also help homeowners navigate the insurance claims process, providing documentation and working directly with insurance adjusters to ensure that claims are handled smoothly.
Storm flooding can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but by taking quick action and reaching out for professional help, homeowners can minimize damage and get their lives back to normal as quickly as possible.