My House Has Flooded, What Do I Do?

Question

We had a little flash flood here. I just finally managed to get the water out of the patio by sweeping it with a kitchen broom (my wrists, owww). But the water came up so quick that is still seeped through the kitchen and into the bathroom (which is on that side of the house). I've sopped up the water as best as I could (I can't move the washer and dryer), and I put the fan in the bathroom to try and dry it. I have no idea what to do. My mom is at work and isn't answering her phone. I know she's afraid the linoleum in the kitchen and the bathroom will come up and the floor boards underneath will rot.

Does anyone have any suggestions for what I can do? I'm at a loss.

Answer 1

You've done good so far.  If you have a dehumidifier (check the basement), put that in the wettest room, and start running it, with windows closed.

Gather all the fans from around the house, run those, too.

Answer 2

dont panic, yet. if there is no carpeting envolved, it's all good. somehow move the appliances out and use box fans to dry the wet area. if you are worried about mold, you can CAREFULLY remove the base trim molding. this allows all that air from the fans to circulate into the walls.

of it's just surface water, do what you are doing. but air circulation is very impotant! the more fans you can get on the wet area, the better.

Answer 3

I would call some friends or neighbors and see if you can get more fans a.s.a.p. You want to get rid of the moisture quickly before it soaks into the drywall and causes mold to form.