Was Your Home Hit By A Flash Flood?

4/9/2020 (Permalink)

If your home has been hit by a flash flood, you may be at a loss what to do. Of course, you will have to call in the storm and flood damage restoration professionals as soon as it is safe to, but what can you do in the meantime? In this article, we share with you some best practices to follow in the event of a flash flood.

Stay Connected

Stay tuned in to local radio and TV, that will alert you when the dangers are over, and it is safe to go out again. Dangers may still be present even if the flood waters have receded somewhat, so never assume it is safe to go out without the all-clear.

Safety First

If you see any sparks or broken wires, or smell burning smoke, turn off the electrical systems if it is safe to do so. You should vacate immediately if you smell natural gas or propane, on top of calling the fire department.

In addition, you should not try to drink tap or well water until it has been declared safe for consumption. At this point, you may not yet know whether the water has been polluted with human waste, fuel, and other contaminants. Do not use this water to brush your teeth or even wash your hands. If you have access to an undamaged water heater or ice cubes, use these as your water supply temporarily. Boiling or bleaching water can help to get rid of some contaminants, however, take note that these methods may not make it completely safe for consumption. Any food items that have come into contact with the floodwater should be tossed out.

Travel with Caution

If you absolutely must travel, always do so with extreme caution and keep away from moving bodies of water, no matter how shallow. Just six inches of moving water is enough to knock a person off their feet, and a few feet of water can carry away moving vehicles. Wear sturdy shoes and ensure you have a stick or pole to help you gauge the depth of water and firmness of ground before moving forward. Contaminated water, debris, electrical hazards, and eroded walkways can also lend you in serious danger.

Engage Flood and Storm Damage Restoration Services from SERVPRO

If your home has sustained damage caused by a flash flood, our restoration technicians at SERVPRO are ready and able to assist with the restoration process. When you engage our services, you can be assured that we have the tools and equipment necessary to address the issue of standing water within a property. Our technicians are available 24 hours, 7 days a week, as we understand that floods and storms do not wait for normal business hours. Not only do we do our job well, but we also care about our customers. If you have any queries or would like to book a service, please feel free to contact us now.