Floods can be terrible and do a lot of damage to homes and other things. When things go wrong, losing personal items is often the worst thing. These things hold memories, histories, and a sense of comfort for us. Finding these things after a flood can be a lifeline, giving people a sense of calm while the hard work of cleaning up begins.
Meanwhile, this detailed guide does not just tell you how to get your things back. It also talks about how vital these things are to you emotionally during the hard times after a flood.
Documenting Damage
It is essential to write down the condition of your things for insurance reasons and to help figure out how bad the damage is. What you should do is this:
Take Clear Pictures
- Use your phone or a camera to take pictures that show how things look.
- To get a complete picture, take both close-up and wide shots.
Create Lists
- Make thorough lists of the broken things, including what they are, how much they are worth, and how badly they are damaged.
- You can use spreadsheets or even paper to put this information in order.
Keep Broken Items
- You must keep them until an insurance adjuster can look at them.
- Wait to throw anything away too soon because these could be used as proof in your insurance cases.
Drying Out Belongings
After planning to salvage what you can and writing down damaged items, it is time to dry them out. Drying things wholly and quickly is the key to saving wet things. How to do it:
Use Fans and Dehumidifiers
- Fans and dehumidifiers should be placed in a way that makes the drying process more accessible.
- Enough airflow is also necessary to ensure that wetness does not stay.
Clean and Disinfect
- As things dry out, wash and germ-kill them.
- Use a light soap or vinegar and water mixed.
- This helps with the cleanup and stops any mold growth that might have happened after the floods.
Salvaging Different Types of Belongings
Personal belongings come in various forms, from clothing and textiles to furniture and electronics. Let us explore how to salvage each category:
Clothing and Textiles
- Start by rinsing the items with clean water to remove contaminants.
- Launder them with a mild detergent to cleanse and disinfect them.
- If necessary, consult a professional cleaner for delicate or valuable fabrics.
Furniture and Upholstery
- Remove wet upholstery cushions and mattresses.
- Allow them to dry in the sun if possible, as sunlight has natural sanitizing properties.
- Clean and disinfect furniture frames and legs.
Electronics and Appliances
- Do not turn on or plug in any electronics immediately. Allow them to dry first to prevent electrical hazards.
- Consult a professional technician to assess and repair electronic items.
Documents and Photographs
- Carefully remove photos and documents from albums or frames.
- Gently rinse and blot them dry with a clean cloth.
- Consult a professional document restorer if the damage is severe, especially for valuable or irreplaceable documents.
Restoring Sentimental Items
The most challenging things to repair are often the sentimental ones. They are essential to us emotionally, and seeing them hurt can break our hearts. However, it is often possible to fix up these loved ones’ things:
Talk to Professionals
Some specialize in fixing sentimental things like photos, artwork, and family heirlooms. Ask for their help to improve your chances of getting better. They know how to do careful restoration work and have the right tools.
Do-It-Yourself Efforts
You can repair work on your own. You can find a lot of information and instructions online on fixing things damaged by water, from family photos to wooden heirlooms. Anything is possible with a bit of care and a light touch.
When to Seek Professional Help
You can clean up much of the water damage from a flood, but sometimes you need professional repair services. In the following cases, you might want to get professional help:
Extensive Damage
If your home has been poorly flooded, you should call pros in water cleanup services in Overland Park who know how to fix large amounts of water damage. They have the right tools and equipment to quickly restore large amounts of harm.
Specialized Item Restoration
If you want to restore valuable antiques, works of art, or one-of-a-kind things, you should talk to professionals who do just that. They know how to get things back to the way they were before.
Follow a Systematic Approach
The loss of personal belongings can be heartbreaking in the wake of a flood. However, by following a systematic approach to salvaging these items, it is possible to restore some sense of normalcy and recover precious possessions. Remember that while the physical things may change, the memories associated with them are preserved.
You may also share your own experiences and tips for salvaging belongings after a flood! If the damage is extensive or you require professional restoration services, please contact water cleanup services in Overland Park for expert assistance. Subscribe to our blog for more disaster preparedness and recovery advice.
