At home, the water may have already receded, but the risks associated with a flood are far from gone. In the hours and days following a flood, many homeowners make mistakes that seem harmless, but end up worsening structural damage, compromising family health and making it difficult to access insurance claims. In several cases, decisions made in the first 48 hours explain high losses months later.
According to Ekonomista, a website specializing in economics, the period immediately after a flood is crucial for limiting material losses and avoiding prolonged problems. The rush to clean up and return to normal is understandable, but it can be costly when not accompanied by caution and planning.
Entering your home without assessing the risks could be your first serious mistake.
One of the most common mistakes happens upon returning home. Even after the water has receded, the building’s structure may be weakened. Cracks in the walls, doors that no longer close properly or uneven floors are warning signs that should not be ignored.
There is also an electrical risk. Wet installations, submerged electrical panels or damp sockets continue to pose a real danger of electrocution or fire. According to the same source, electricity should only be restored after inspection by a qualified electrician, even if everything appears dry on the surface.
Cleaning up before documenting the damage could cost you your compensation
Another common mistake is to immediately proceed to cleaning without recording the damage. Detailed photographs and videos of each room, the level reached by the water and the damaged goods are essential for any process with the insurance company.
The same source explains that many compensation claims fail or are reduced because the damage has not been properly proven. Furniture discarded without registration, appliances connected before technical assessment or walls painted before the inspection can make it difficult to prove real losses.
Invisible humidity is a silent enemy
Even when the house appears dry, moisture can remain hidden in walls, floors, false ceilings and wooden structures. This is one of the most underrated mistakes after a flood.
According to Ekonomista, the retained water creates ideal conditions for the appearance of mold and fungi, which appear days or weeks later. In addition to material damage, these organisms are associated with respiratory problems, allergies and worsening of chronic diseases, especially in children and the elderly.
Simply opening windows is rarely enough. In many cases, it is necessary to use dehumidifiers and ensure slow, controlled drying, avoiding quick solutions that only mask the problem.
Connecting equipment without technical inspection worsens damage
Another common mistake is trying to restore appliances or technical systems without professional evaluation. Equipment that has been submerged or partially wet may appear to work, but is subject to short circuits or serious failures later.
The same applies to heating systems, boilers, electrical panels and plumbing. The same source highlights that the intervention of certified technicians, despite the initial cost, avoids much more expensive repairs in the future.
Neglecting your health after flooding is a real risk
The consequences of a flood are not just material. Contaminated water can contain sewage, chemicals and bacteria. Direct contact without adequate protection increases the risk of infections and gastrointestinal diseases.
Furthermore, the emotional impact of seeing the house affected should not be underestimated. Anxiety, insomnia and stress are common after this type of incident. Ignoring these signs can delay the family’s overall recovery.
Knowing when to ask for help makes a difference
There are situations where improvising is expensive. Damaged structures require assessment by a civil engineer. Electrical installations must be checked by professionals. In more serious cases, companies specializing in post-flood recovery are able to speed up processes that would otherwise take months.
According to , acting methodically, documenting everything and following the right steps in the first 48 hours is the best way to prevent a one-off flood from becoming a prolonged and financially devastating problem.
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