Unlike the residents of Venice, most people living in Britain do not expect their houses to be flooded. There are some flood prone areas which have been the subject of extensive news coverage, but for most people a flooded home will come as an unexpected and traumatic shock.
With the changing climate, flooding is becoming a more frequent event. South and West London, for example, are increasingly prone to flooding.
If your house gets flooded, after everything is over and the water has subsided, then it’s time to repair the damage. Here are four steps you should take.
- Stay safe
Flooding is a traumatic and stressful event. You may have to evacuate your home. Whether or not that happens, your first priority is to make sure that you and your family are safe, warm, and adequately fed. If you have had to evacuate, there may have been damage to the structure, or to the gas and electricity supply. Before returning, get advice from the emergency services.
- Contact your insurer
You should establish what sort of repairs they will pay for, so that you are clear where you stand financially. Certain types of repairs may not be covered, but are often worth undertaking if they help to minimise the effects of future flooding.
- Consult a specialist in flood repair and flood resilience
The house will have to be dried out and cleaned. Special equipment may be required, especially if you have a flooded basement, which will need to be pumped out. The flooded areas need to be cleaned and decontaminated.
If a flood has occurred, assume that it could happen again. Repairs should be undertaken in such a way as to minimise the consequences of future flooding. Such modifications could include replacing timber flooring with solid concrete, and using tiles and a waterproof membrane to prevent water penetration, and installing one-way valves to prevent sewage backing up into the house. These developments all require special expertise, so if you think they would benefit your home then you should consult a specialist contractor.
- Prepare for the next flood
Review your insurance policy. Have a plan for what to do if flooding occurs again. Consider your evacuation route and where you might go if flooding occurs.
A flood in the home is a stressful and traumatic experience. If it happens to you, your first priority is to stay safe and well. Once the active flooding has subsided, it’s a good idea to speak to your insurer, then consult a flood repair specialist. London Damp Company is an insurer-approved flood repair contractor. Not only can they help you get up and running again after a flood, they’ll advise you on the best ways of minimising damage from future flooding.
