[elvisluvs]

We have a rented out 2 family near St. Gabes church in Milford. The crawl space with all the utilities was under 5' of sea water. The living space was not touched. The boiler, hot water heater, and possibly the electrical panel was soaked. It was pumped out by the Milford Fire Department. As we probably won't get power back for several days, the crawlspace is getting pretty skunky/ funky. I called the flood department from my insurance, I imagine I will meet up either next week or so. Generally speaking, can anyone give me some advice on dealing with the flood folks. As pertaining to the crawlspace (partial concrete, most dirt/ sand floor)- does the wood framing (pier) and joists underside of above floor need some type of bleach/ steam clean / mold abatement as part of the "recovery" process? Thanks-Mark

[Stylo]

It's really in your landlord's hands. If they insist on someone like Servpro coming in there, the insurance company should pay for some major repairs - replacing a lot of the wood and structure, drywall if it's there. Hopefully they hire a public adjuster.

[JViello]

Originally Posted by elvisluvs

We have a rented out 2 family near St. Gabes church in Milford. The crawl space with all the utilities was under 5' of sea water. The living space was not touched. The boiler, hot water heater, and possibly the electrical panel was soaked. It was pumped out by the Milford Fire Department. As we probably won't get power back for several days, the crawlspace is getting pretty skunky/ funky. I called the flood department from my insurance, I imagine I will meet up either next week or so. Generally speaking, can anyone give me some advice on dealing with the flood folks. As pertaining to the crawlspace (partial concrete, most dirt/ sand floor)- does the wood framing (pier) and joists underside of above floor need some type of bleach/ steam clean / mold abatement as part of the "recovery" process? Thanks-Mark

Step one. Get the structure dry...NOW, not tomorrow, not next week. Call a restoration company and get them there ASAP. What you can do in the mean time, is get some air movers and open up every opening you can and get air moving in and out. If you have a salamander heater you can get blowing some hot air in there as well as venting it, that'll help. (Disclosure, be SURE you are not overheating the structure, which is why I would recommend a pro do this.)

The quicker you get it dry, the less damage and headaches you'll have.

After it's dry you can assess the need for mold remediation and other issues.

P.S. I own a cleaning and restoration company (That doesn't service Milford, sorry), so I'm not guessing.

Originally Posted by mkiv808

It's really in your landlord's hands. If they insist on someone like Servpro coming in there, the insurance company should pay for some major repairs - replacing a lot of the wood and structure, drywall if it's there. Hopefully they hire a public adjuster.

The way I read it, he IS the landlord.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by JViello

The way I read it, he IS the landlord.

Whoops. Misread.

[elvisluvs]

Thanks to you both. Yes, I am the landlord. There's one small basement window. I had heard there might be power back for fan, dehumidify, heat - if not, at worst I probably can get a generator over there on Saturday. Great advice- I will follow up on the thread over the weekend.

[elvisluvs]

Today's update- we flushed, rinsed and sump pumped out the concrete area. We threw out any of the "within reach" soft goods. Industrial fan blow drying area so far. More to come-m

[elvisluvs]

Very important warning- the tenant that has access to the main electrical panel- went to reset a couple of the circuit breakers got shocked!! ! He could have been killed. Don't trust any electrical that has gotten wet.

[toddb]

Originally Posted by elvisluvs

Very important warning- the tenant that has access to the main electrical panel- went to reset a couple of the circuit breakers got shocked!! ! He could have been killed. Don't trust any electrical that has gotten wet.

Sorry, had to comment here... but - DUH! Of course electricity + water = bad. I don't care if the floor is now dry - with that much water, and even if you are the renter not the landlord, hire an electrician for $100 to spend 5 minutes to take a peek and make sure its ok. Or, have your significant other nearby with 9-1 dialed with his/her finger on the last 1.

OP - good luck on the repairs!

[elvisluvs]

Speaking of throwing the electricity on- I wonder how many people get electrocuted by being in a vulnerable position when it does come on? As for my follow up- the allstate rep was a no call, no show, no answer for our midday appointment

[elvisluvs]

As the catastrophe turns. The adjuster came by last night. The good is much of the cost will be covered. The bad is my deductible $2k, and a multi family gets depreciated value and not cost value. I was offerred a partial check which should cover most of the "right now" costs.