Before a Flood:
Is your home or business prepared for a flood? Remember, ANYWHERE that it rains, it can flood! Just because you haven't experienced a flood in the past, doesn't mean you won't in the future.
- Build
an emergency kit and make a family
communications plan. Go to www.redcross.org
for more information.
- Avoid building in a
floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home.
- Elevate the furnace, water
heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a
high flood risk.
- Consider installing
"check valves" to prevent flood water from backing up into the
drains of your home.
- If feasible, construct
barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in
basements with waterproofing compounds.
- Have important documents in a
fire safe & waterproof safe. i.e. insurance paperwork, birth
certificate, marriage license, important photos, etc.
During a Flood:
- Listen to the radio or
television for information.
- Be aware that flash flooding
can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately
to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
- Be aware of stream, drainage
channels, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur
in these areas with or without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy
rain.
In the event you have to evacuate:
- Secure your home. If you have
time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
- Turn off utilities at the
main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical
appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing
in water!
- Do not walk through moving
water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk
in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the
firmness of the ground in front of you.
- Do not drive into flooded
areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to
higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be swept
away quickly.
- Do not camp or park your
vehicle along streams, rivers or creeks, particularly during threatening
conditions.
After the Flood:
- Use local alerts and warning
systems to get information and expert informed advice as soon as
available.
- Avoid moving water.
- Emergency workers will be
assisting people in flooded areas. You can help them by staying off the
roads and out of the way.
- Play it safe. Additional
flooding or flash floods can occur. Listen for local warnings and
information. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, get out
immediately and climb to higher ground.
- Return home only when
authorities indicate it is safe.
- Roads may still be closed
because they have been damaged or are covered by water. Barricades have
been placed for your protection. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded
road, go another way.
- If you must walk or drive in
areas that have been flooded.
- Stay on firm ground.
Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing
water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
- Flooding may have
caused familiar places to change. Floodwaters often erode roads and
walkways. Flood debris may hide animals and broken bottles, and it's also
slippery. Avoid walking or driving through it.
- Be aware of areas where
floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under
the weight of a car.
- Stay out of any building if
it is surrounded by floodwaters.
- Use extreme caution when
entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in
foundations.
- Avoid floodwaters; water may
be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage.
- Service damaged septic tanks,
cesspools, pits and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewer
systems are serious health hazards.
- Listen for news reports to
learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink
- Clean and disinfect
everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwaters can contain sewage and
chemicals.
Cleaning Up and Repairing Your Home:
- Turn off the electricity at
the main breaker or fuse box, even if the power is off in your community.
That way, you can decide when your home is dry enough to turn it back on.
- Have your cleanup kit ready:
mop, broom, bucket, and cleaning supplies.
- Contact your insurance agent
to discuss claims.
- Listen to your radio for
information on assistance that may be provided by the state or federal
government or other organizations.
- If you hire cleanup or repair
contractors, check references and be sure they are qualified to do the
job. Be wary of people who drive through neighborhoods offering help in
cleaning up or repairing your home if they are not licensed to do the work
indicated!
And lastly, remember, in the event your home or business has
water damage, count on the experts at FSA-Full Steam Ahead Fire
& Water Restoration! We’re here to help!!
