If you live in our gulf state of Florida, you’re likely no stranger to bad weather and torrential downpours. Water damage can be caused by flooding from heavy storms, flash floods, dam and levee failures, tidal storm surges, and mudflows. They can also be caused by the new construction of buildings, roads, or bridges that can shift the flow of water and increase the risk of flooding.
Many parts of the Sunshine State are high-risk flood zones, but even low-risk areas can be burdened by flooding. As we get closer to hurricane season, make sure to learn our steps for what to do before, during, and after a flood.
Protect Yourself and Your Property
There are several things you can do to help minimize or prevent water damage to your property and prepare for worst-case scenarios. In the case of a rare but possible life-threatening situation, you will know how to react and what steps to take for the safety of both your property and family.
1. Prepare Before the Flood
Even though we don’t like to think about worst-case scenarios, we should always be prepared for them to minimize potential suffering and help us protect ourselves and others. If you haven’t completed any of these tasks, now is the perfect time to start marking them off your list.
- Learn your properties flood zone and evaluate your risk.
- Ensure your furnace, water heater, and permanent equipment are elevated above expected flood levels of the area.
- Inspect sump pumps and drains to ensure proper operation.
- If you own a generator, have a licensed electrician provide a transfer switch to your sump pump in case of flooding.
- Hire Onsite Restoration to install an interior or exterior backflow prevention valve to prevent sewage backup.
- Keep sandbags on hand to divert unusually high water away from your foundation.
- Learn your community flood signals.
- Keep emergency materials such as plywood, plastic sheets, lumber, nails, shovels, and sandbags stored in your property.
- Plan and practice an evacuation route and determine a place for separated family members to meet.
- Plan a survival kit with important documents such as insurance, medications, bottled water, and critical needs.
Before the next big storm, contact Onsite Restoration to ensure your home is in the best possible condition to face and withstand a flood – (813)-579-5789.
2. Act Swiftly During the Flood
If your area is currently experiencing flooding or a major storm is on the way, follow these tips to stay safe.
- Listen to a battery-operated radio or TV weather station to keep updated on the current state of the storm. If advised to evacuate, shut off all utilities and evacuate immediately.
- Move to high ground and avoid areas with rising waters. Do not walk or drive through any floodwaters.
- Keep a far distance from any damaged or fallen power lines and electrical wires.
If you are advised to evacuate by a news or weather channel, do so immediately. There’s not enough time to second guess!
3. Remain Calm After the Flood
If you learn your home has experienced severe damage after a flood, you may feel overwhelmed with emotion. Experiencing a sever flood can be truly devastating, so you first must acknowledge your feelings are valid.
However, try to stay calm and not act impulsively. If the only damage was to your home, practice gratitude that your family is safe and begin taking the necessary steps to restore your environment.
- Continue listening to the radio. Do not return home until the authorities tell you it is safe.
- Once the storm is over or you are allowed back to your home, inspect it for damage.
- If damaged, call Onsite Restoration and report the loss immediately.
- Watch out for snakes that may have found their way into your home.
- Throw away all food that has come into contact with moisture.
- Remove standing water ASAP. If your basement is severely flooded, pump out 1/3 of the water per day to avoid structural damage.
- Dry or remove wet carpets, padding, and upholstery with 24-48 hours to prevent mold.
- Disinfect all areas that have been flooded. Do not touch electronic equipment that may have been damaged.
Most importantly, call a flood restoration service like Onsite Restoration to help you. If there is still standing water, you really shouldn’t enter your home at all without the proper protective equipment and gear. Save yourself from danger- this is best left for the professionals.
Learn More > After a Storm Hits
Recover From the Storm with Onsite
Whether a bad storm is on the way or you live in a city protected by a dam, there are many steps you should take to protect yourself from a flood. Water damage can not only lead to structural issues within your home but also health issues among your family.
Onsite Restoration is there for you from helping you prepare for disaster to restoring your home after the tough weather is over. Our top priority is the safety of you and your family, so let us take the burden of stress off your shoulders.
Renew and restore your world with Onsite – (813)-579-5789.
