This year record rain falls have caused extensive flooding in the Chicago area and suburbs and the year is still young. It is quite unfortunate that those who just got over flooding issues and getting the house or structure back to normal, only to have to deal with another blow of heavy rains and subsequent flood cleanup, flood damage or water damage problems. As the old saying goes when it rains it pours and certainly Chicago has had its share of downpours this year.
How do you handle the onslaught? Calmly, of course. One thing's for sure, when you undergo flooding or water damage at one point or another, it gives you an inner fortitude the next time to deal with the disaster. No one enjoys having their furniture floating in a basement, afraid to go down there because of electrical outlets or wiring being exposed to excess water, equipment or machinery inundated with water and possibly not reusable, porous materials swelling and busting because of too much moisture or humidity. It certainly is a daunting thought to say the least.
Have your game face on! Have your plan of action ready. Know the dimensions of your basement, specifically the size or square footage. Determine your plan before moving forward. Have some sort of sequential order of things in place before this happens. Do you know where your insurance papers are if you have insurance? Did this happen before? Did you keep the professional restoration companies' information handy for times like this? Have you set aside a budget for just when this type of thing happens? Have you a camera or photo taking gadget to get pictures?
When standing water invades your space you need to act fast. If all the modules are in place it makes it just that much easier to act and act fast! In terms of estimates, when flooding occurs it is extremely difficult for restoration companies to give out estimates, especially over the phone, and without seeing the damage. So, keep in mind that when the phone rings off the hook and everyone's basement is flooded out, time is of the essence. Precious minutes mean the difference between saving your possessions or losing them.
Food for thought.
