When Flooding Is Imminent-How to Protect Your Home

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

Flooded Kitchen Area

If your home is not in a floodplain, you may believe it to be safe from water damage. However, experts report that 90% of natural disasters involve some form of flooding—meaning you could still be at risk.

It is important for homeowners to understand the damage that floods can cause regardless of their location, so they can keep their home and family safe.

How to Protect Your Home

Preventing a disaster-related flood isn’t possible, but preventing flood damage may be. With just a few steps, homeowners can do their part to lessen the damage a flood will cause:

Know your risk. A local emergency management authority and the FEMA Flood Map Tool can both provide insights on risk related to your specific geographic location.

Discuss emergency procedures. Be sure your family is knowledgeable about a disaster plan and evacuation route should the need arise. All older children and adults in the house should also be aware of the electricity and gas mains so they can turn off the power if need be.

Raise hazardous materials. To prevent dangerous substances from spilling into floodwater, elevate things such as oil, paint and cleaning supplies.

Prepare appliances. Washers and refrigerators can be elevated using bricks to protect their internal workings from getting soaked when floodwaters are rising.

Anchor propane and fuel tanks. If a fuel tank tips over due to a flood, it can lead to a dangerous spill or even a fire. Anchor fuel tanks securely so they will not tip or leak if water begins rushing around them.

Turn off electricity. It may not seem possible that the waters would reach electrical appliances or outlets, but having live electricity near floodwaters can still be dangerous. Shut off the electrical breaker to any rooms that are at-risk for a flood.

If a flood is on its way to your area, keeping your family sheltered from harm is the most important task. By having a plan in place and knowing what to do, you can protect your home and loved ones from being in harm’s way.

If you’ve experienced water damage due to a flood or other causes, SERVPRO® of Henderson/Boulder City is here to help. Our fully trained water remediation technicians will be there for you when you call. 702-564-8508