Restoring your flooded home: From hazards to insurance claims, here's what you need to know
They say that after the storm comes the rainbow, but that's not always the case for many families in the Philippines affected by calamities such as typhoons.
The country recently experienced severe misfortune after heavy rains brought about by the monsoon rains and super typhoon Carina flooded many areas and communities, causing distress to Filipino families whose homes were devastated by the waist-deep waters.
Grabbing a broom and a mop to wash the filth away is easier said than done, which is why some people who were affected took to social media for guidance. One member of the Facebook group Home Buddies, in particular, sought advice on effectively recovering from the flood and restoring their home.
"Our family is one of the victims of Typhoon Carina. We would like to ask for advice regarding sa mga tips on how to recover from a flood, especially since our tables and chairs is made of Narra. Magpapa-advice din sana kami sa mga potential hazards na dapat i-check, how to dispose of flood water, insurance claims na pwedeng gamitin and tips on rebuilding," her post read.
Here's what her fellow "virtual kapitbahays" said:
Beware of hazards
Before you grab your cleaning materials, safety must be ensured. One Home Buddies member urged that you should turn off your electricity and gas before entering the house, and wear protective gear such as gloves, boots, and masks to avoid exposure to contaminants.
"Be cautious of structural damage and potential hazards like loose wires or sharp objects," they said.
This was echoed by another member, who noted that the flood may expose you to slippery floors and sharp objects such as rusted nails, which can lead you to an even more precarious condition.
"Delikado kung maapakan. Bukod sa possible tetanus, pwede ma-double whammy with leptospirosis. Wag ring magmadali. Baka madulas lalo sa mga surfaces na 'medyo basa' and grimey. May risk na mapilayan, mabaldog at lalong hindi makatulong sa bahay," they commented.
"Stay calm, rest once in a while, have a game plan with the family, accept that this will take time. Do not rush it and allow yourself to mourn for the things you've lost while also picking yourself back up," they continued.
But if you have no clue about what you're doing, it's best to get help from a professional.
"Have your wires checked by a professional electrician especially if 'di mo sure kung nakabaon ba sa flooring ung entrada ng connection ng kuryente niyo. Happened to me, umiinit 'yung portion of our flooring, 'yun pala grounded na ung wiring namin," one member shared.
"For appliances, 'wag nyo muna paandarin until may ma contact kayo from [an] authorized service center, lalo if under warranty pa ung appliances nyo," they added.
Soaking up the mess
Once everything is in the clear, it's now time to put on your rubber gloves and buckle down to restore your home to its former glory. A good first step is to assess the damage and separate salvageable items from those that must be discarded.
"Sa mga bagay na pwede pang isalba, deep clean them thoroughly. Now is the time na okay silang basain kasi basa na sila in the first place (kunwari mga aparador, table, sofa, etc.) Maghanap ng space para ibilad ung mga pwedeng matuyo," they said.
Others recommended that for personal items such as clothing, blankets, towels, and more, you should wash them thoroughly with oxygen bleach. Kitchen utensils should be washed several times and soaked in hot water especially if they were exposed to mud.
When removing flood water, some Home Buddies members suggested using a pressure washer to speed up the process. But if you can't get your hands on one, an alternative could be a garden hose with a nozzle that has different control pressures.
A squeegee can be a lifesaver for cleaning up floodwater compared to a mop. For those who prefer non-chemical cleaning agents to get rid of bacteria, you can use a combination of vinegar, dishwashing soap, and fabric softener.
For wooden furniture, some members said that those made from quality materials can often be restored with a fresh coat of varnish.
"'Yung wooden furniture (narra/ kamagong/yakal) were the easiest to clean. Hinugasan lang at sinabunan at kahit di ibilad, it dries fast. If may mga sofa or sala sets kayo na need i-upholster, deep cleaning talaga," one online user wrote.
The next step is drying out your home. Using fans, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners can significantly accelerate this process.
"Dehumidifier would be helpful. You may also run your air conditioner on dry mode if you don't have a separate dehumidifier. Once ma-sweep out yung tubig, spray bleach to kill possible germs or microorganisms," Mayora Frances Cabatuando, founder of Home Buddies, replied in the post.
She stressed that you should focus your attention on your wooden furniture, saying, "As long as basa yung wood, it may still grow mold. Basta the most important thing is to dry them as fast as possible. So open all windows, tutukan ng electric fan, use dehumidifier, use mga silica gels or other dehumidifying beads, and heater if there's any."
Some of the other things you need to do after are inspecting the foundation, walls, floors, and ceilings of your house for cracks or warping and checking for leaks or damage to pipes and fixtures.
Recovering your losses
While having your home destroyed by the flood may set you back on your savings, you can still get back up on your feet with help from your insurance plan.
Home Buddies members who are knowledgeable in the matter said that these kinds of situations can be covered by your claim, but you need to make sure that the damages are properly documented.
"Take photos and videos of the damage for insurance purposes. Keep records of all damaged items, including furniture, appliances, and personal belongings," one user advised. "Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible to start the claims process. Provide them with documentation of the damage and keep track of all communications."
Even if you were not able to document it, a member claiming to work in the insurance sector said that this wouldn't keep you from your insurance. "There will be visits naman din na gagawain sa property to verify the said claims," they said.
Before contacting your insurance provider, you should check if your policy covers Acts of God, which is an event outside of human control or activity, such as a natural disaster like a flood or an earthquake.
"If covered din sa insurance niyo yung mga laman ng house and nasira 'yun, you can also claim for that. Better double-check your insurance policy if included after you fill out the forms and send the pictures, they will get back to you on what to do next," one member explained.
"Usually, if it's for repair, they will ask for a quotation, signed and sealed by an engineer or architect. Then they will assess. If the quotation is all good, they will process your claim and release the funds to you so you can have your house repaired. If not, they will counter the proposal," they continued.
In the end, whether there's a flood or not, maintaining a great home requires great responsibility. Check out the article Your Annual Home Maintenance Checklist to help you keep track of the important stuff in caring for your home.
Watch out for our Home Buddies features every Saturday.