How to react to in-house flooding? That is a question not many of us have a chance to ask ourselves. However, there might come a time when the answer can come in handy. Whether the flooding is in an apartment or a house, the most important thing is to stay calm. Also, it is important to call the professional and the plumbing emergency service as soon as possible. They will deal with your situation in the best possible way.
For now, this text will just inform you how you can behave to maybe lessen the damage before the professionals arrive. Also in this text, we will not mention the causes of floods, but how to react to in-house flooding when it occurs. So if you are in a flat or house at the time of the flood, you need to react quickly.
How to react to in-house flooding
The first thing you could do is to close the main water valve in the apartment or house. If this does not work, you can try closing the main water valve in the building or the valve in the shaft near the house. Of course – and we cannot stress this enough – you should never do so if there is no safe way to do it! You should always call the plumber to detect the water outlet and remove the damage. Of course, there is a chance it’s just a pipe problem, so check how you can get burst pipe insurance claim.
Bathroom flood
If your bathroom is flooded, you need to take the blanket and put it on the bathroom door. This prevents water from spreading further into the apartment and making extra damage. If necessary, put two blankets. We have put the blanket as the best example, but you can use a sheet, towel or any fabric that would serve as a small dam in the bathroom door. This trick can do in any room that is flooded and has door on it – you should always prevent the water from spreading. But always seek professional help so here are some benefits of hiring an emergency plumber.
Collecting water
If possible, always get children out of the way once the flood occurs. And once you notice the flood, try to collect as much water from a flooded bathroom (or other room). Most probably the small dam you made on the door with material will be soaked with water quickly. If you have a bucket, a washbowl, a pot, fill them with water from a flooded area. Sponges are best for collecting water if you have them right away. Of course, if this is not the case, try to mainly use what is good for collecting water and allows you to quickly soak water (cotton fabrics are good such as towels, cloths, sheets, etc.). Here are more tips on how to prepare for flooding situations.
Kitchen flood
If your kitchen is flooded and there is no door to close the area, try to make mini dams around the water flood point. However, try not to make dams close to the flood, in order to provide space for the water to fill in the space so you can collect it. Again, you should collect the water with the same system that we listed above.
In case you’re not home
How to react to in-house flooding in case you enter the apartment and see the flood? As we said earlier, try to stay calm and first call a plumber emergency service. We suggest not to enter inside because you have to be very careful and take care of yourself! You never know – there is the possibility that water is in contact with electrical installations in the apartment (extension cords, various wires, etc.). Also pay attention to the water level in the apartment or house.
Only get into your apartment if you are sure that it is safe to enter the flooded part of the apartment. Once you are in, try to see where the water flood site is located. As soon as you have located the main flood area (which are most probably bathroom or kitchen), try to block the further progress of water with a blanket or similar material. Again, when you slow down the inflow of water, start collecting water in the same way as we described above. Do not hesitate to call your neighbors for help as it would be helpful to have someone around you. While collecting water from the apartment, another person can collect water at the flood point and further slow down the progress of the water.
Return home after flood
No matter how much damage has the flood made, you should definitely look into water damage insurance claim.
And after the flood, it is important to keep in mind that there are risks, which can be hazardous to the health of the whole family. So if your residential or business building is still under water, be sure to inform local authorities to help you turn off electricity and gas. It is also very important to check your house during the day and see there are no changes in the construction structure. Do not take children with you to avoid any kind of risk. If the place smells like gas, do not enter the house, do not turn on the power and notify the local authorities. Here you can see more about residential insurance claims.
The best way to react to in-house flooding is to stay calm.
Only once you are in a completely dry place you can turn on the power. NEVER switch off or turn on electricity or electrical appliances when in contact with water. If there is still water in your house, only enter with rubber boots on or put plastic bags over your shoes. Do not allow water from the flood to be in contact with your skin. You should never let pregnant women, children or elderly enter the space that is not safe.
All stated tips are just basic ways to react to in-house flooding, but can be effective. It’s important that you do not panic, and always call the professional emergency service. The sooner you react in the right way, the flood damage will be lower.
