What Should I Do If My House Floods?

Floodwater can cause extensive damage to your home. Worse, it can also create hazards that can cause injury to you and your family. It is vital to understand what to do when your house has flooded so you can mitigate the danger and hazards.
 
The steps you take in this situation and can make all the difference. We have put together this guide to help you manage floodwater in your home so you can go back to living in it sooner rather than later.

If you have a serious plumbing emergency and a burst pipe floods the interior of your home, the first step is to shut the water off at the mains to prevent further flooding and damage. Then you should contact an emergency plumber who is available 24/7. Do not re-enter the home in case electrical outlets have been impacted.

As the Queensland Government saying goes, if it is flooded, forget it. If your house is being inundated with floodwater and you have been issued an evacuation order, comply and get to safer, higher ground immediately. Possessions can be replaced. Human life cannot.

If it looks like water is about to breach your home, turn the power off at the switchboard. Water and electricity are not a good mix and this step could prevent a fire or save a life.

We understand that you will be anxious to assess the damage and try to save your property, but floodwater can seriously damage the structural integrity of your home. From the doorway, look at the walls, floors and ceiling. If you see any signs of buckling, sagging or bulging, you need to wait for the professionals as there is a chance of collapse.

In most cases, you will be covered by your homeowner's insurance or you may even have specialised flood cover. Before you get too far into the recovery effort, contact your insurer and provide as much detail as possible. They will usually advise on the next course of action and may be able to assist with contractors for repairs and clean up, as well as emergency accommodation for you and your family.

This cleanup can be a major job and there can be serious health hazards associated with it. Brackish water can include sewerage and other polluted materials, mould and mildew can set in fast, so it's generally not an environment where you should risk your health trying to attempt the cleanup job yourself.
 
We can work with your insurer so you get the best water damage restoration service covered by your policy. If you need local experts for clean up jobs after flooding in the Rockhampton, Yeppoon and surrounding areas, contact Revive Cleaning and Restoration on (07) 4939 7377.