Floods can be as bad as fires, destroying houses by knocking down walls or seeping into the foundations, causing a 6-figure repair job several years down the line. Floods are also an expected risk in many places of America, which is why it’s strange that many homeowners don’t know what to do to limit the damage caused by floods. If you live in a high-risk flooding area (including much of Florida and much more of Texas), you need to know how to limit the damage that floods can cause.
Before a Flood
You should know your flood risk by checking out the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster maps. You should also know how to stay informed, e.g., by opting into flood alert warning messages or using a NOAA weather radio, which receives broadcast alerts directly from NWS. Power outages are very common during floods, so think about how you’d stay informed during an outage – e.g., spare batteries or wind-up radio.
You should know your evacuation routes, where you’d stay during a flood, and how you will get there. By having a plan in place, you can pack up your valuables and leave the area effectively without spending time stressing and worrying. This will reduce your chances of getting trapped. You can download the American Red Cross Shelter Finder app to get information about the capacity of local shelters. You should store supplies like prescriptions and personal needs (e.g., cash, first aid kits, food, and clean water) ready to go with you if there’s a flood. You should also have backups of important paper documents like medical insurance and mortgage agreements.
You can also manage the risk to your property by buying flood insurance, elevating the heating and electrics systems, installing check valves in sewer lines, waterproof your basement, install sump pumps with a battery power option, and keep gutters and drains clear of garbage.
After a Flood
This Jacksonville water damage restoration company gives guidelines on what to do after a flood (Jacksonville suffered terribly from record floods during Irma):
- Don’t go back to the house if it isn’t safe if you do watch out for electrical and slip hazards.
- Remove as much excess water as you can by mopping/blotting and wipe excess water from wood furniture.
- Remove wet upholstery/cushions, hanging them to dry if you can.
- Put foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpets and remove colored rugs.
- Take any artwork to a safe, dry place.
- Turn off the waterline.
- Hang furs and leather goods
- Remove everything that could stick or stain (like magazines) from table-tops and wet carpets/floors.
- Don’t use appliances.
This is assuming that the damage was from clean water. If grey or black water got into the flood, you should not enter the property until flood restorers have been in, as harmful bacteria and mold can make you very sick.
During a Flood
If you have prepared properly, you will get a prior warning before the flooding hits your area badly. The best thing you can do is pick up your priceless items, your personal needs, and get going. Evacuating is the best thing you can do to avoid getting trapped when your area floods, which can put you at risk of personal injury and even death.
Make sure you turn off gas water and electricity if you can, put sandbags around your property, and move items you want to protect to a higher floor if you have enough time. When evacuating, if you see floodwater, do not attempt to cross it – this water often has great power and can sweep even large cars off the road. Avoid any contact with floodwater, as it can be contaminated with sewage.
