Flood Preparation Steps in Cherry Valley

3/28/2019 (Permalink)

Taking Time to Prepare for a Possible Disaster can Pay off During a Storm

Among the most costly and frequent natural disasters, floods often occur after a hurricane or many days of sustained rain. Flash floods happen suddenly from water rapidly rising in a low-lying area or stream. You need to learn ahead of time what to do to keep your family safe. You need to know of a reputable flood damage remediation company as well who can help you afterward, such as SERVPRO. 

Preparing in Advance 
Be sure you and your Cherry Valley home are ready for a flood in advance. You’ll be able to keep you and your family safe, and perhaps lessen the amount of flood damage that your home sustains.  Put together an emergency preparedness kit and make an evacuation plan which includes any pets. Keep informed about your community’s response plans and risk for flooding. 

Remember that standard homeowner's insurance policies will not cover flooding, but flood insurance does. SERVPRO can work with you and your insurance company after the flood to make sure you get the compensation you need for repairs. 

Right Before the Flood 
Have a battery operated radio you can use to listen to the local area station for the latest updates and information? Be ready to evacuate fast, and know what your routes and destinations are. Find a local emergency shelter where you can all go. 

Check your emergency kit and any items that are in short supply or missing need to be replenished. Medical supplies and medications are of particular importance. Keep the kit nearby and accessible. 

Staying Safe Indoors During a Flood 
First turn off water mains and power if you are instructed to by local authorities. Boil tap water until water sources are deemed safe and avoid contact with floodwater. It can be contaminated with sewage, or contain dangerous animals or insects. 

Keep listening to the radio for the latest information and any updates. Do not use electrical appliances which are flooded or any gas. Throw away any food that has come into contact with flood waters. 

Staying Safe Outdoors During a Flood 
Do not walk, drive or swim through floodwaters. A mere six inches of fast-flowing water can knock you down, and two feet will float a car. If you are stuck on a road where water is rapidly rising, quickly get out of the car and get to higher ground. Do not walk on river banks or beaches and don’t let your children play near flood water. 

Do not come into contact with the floodwater and stay out of areas subject to flooding. Underpasses, low spots, dips, washes, canyons, etc. can quickly become filled with water. 

Recovery 
Let family and friends know you are safe and register yourself on the Safe and Well website. If you have been evacuated, only return when authorities say it is safe. 

As soon as you can, contact a SERVPRO technician for help so they can come out to your property quickly, assess the damage and create a plan for remediation. They have professional equipment to remove the standing water and dry your home and possessions out. Dehumidifiers and dryers, plus protective gear are just some of the things the technician will bring. 

SERVPRO of South Worcester has someone standing by at all times to take your call. When your home suffers flood damage, don’t hesitate to contact us at (508) 757-7885.