Do you know how to protect yourself during a flood? How about after the flood? You've probably heard lots of information over the years. We hope you won't ever need it; this start-to-finish guide to handling flood will help you remember what you should really do during an emergency and afterwards to recover as quickly as possible.
You don’t only protect your property before the flood, but you also need to protect it during and after the flood. These steps will help you prepare and recover from any possible flood damage.
Before the flood:
· You should be aware of your location’s flood zone risk
· Have your permanent equipment elevated
· Have a regular check up on your sump pumps and drains to ensure proper functioning.
· If you have a generator, have your sump pump switch transferred so that it could still be operated in case of flood.
· Have a plumber install a backflow prevention valve to prevent sewage back up
· Plan and practice evacuation route
· In a frequently flooded area, collect emergency building materials
· Learn with family members how to shut off utilities during emergency
· Prepare a survival kit with medicines, and other essential items you would need in case you leave the house
During the flood:
· Keep updated on the current situation. If advised to evacuate, shut off all utilities and evacuate immediately.
· Transfer to higher ground areas and do not pass through any floodwaters.
· Stay away from electrical wires and downed power lines
After the flood:
· Do not return home when it is not yet advised by the authorities
· Check for damage and report immediately once allowed to go back home
· Keep an eye on the snakes that may have found a route into your home
· Discard all food that has come in contact with floodwaters
· Remove standing water as soon as possible especially from the basement to avoid structural damage.
· Properly dry soaked carpets to prevent mold growth. Throw away anything that can’t be properly dried.
· Have an electrician inspect your electronic equipment that may have suffered water damage before using it
· Disinfect all areas that have been flooded
Let us know how we can help you. If you have questions about a flood damage insurance policy, you may call us at (409) 945-4746 or visit our office today. Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency can provide you with superior customer service and low rates. Get a free quote from us by clicking here.
Before the flood:
· You should be aware of your location’s flood zone risk
· Have your permanent equipment elevated
· Have a regular check up on your sump pumps and drains to ensure proper functioning.
· If you have a generator, have your sump pump switch transferred so that it could still be operated in case of flood.
· Have a plumber install a backflow prevention valve to prevent sewage back up
· Plan and practice evacuation route
· In a frequently flooded area, collect emergency building materials
· Learn with family members how to shut off utilities during emergency
· Prepare a survival kit with medicines, and other essential items you would need in case you leave the house
During the flood:
· Keep updated on the current situation. If advised to evacuate, shut off all utilities and evacuate immediately.
· Transfer to higher ground areas and do not pass through any floodwaters.
· Stay away from electrical wires and downed power lines
After the flood:
· Do not return home when it is not yet advised by the authorities
· Check for damage and report immediately once allowed to go back home
· Keep an eye on the snakes that may have found a route into your home
· Discard all food that has come in contact with floodwaters
· Remove standing water as soon as possible especially from the basement to avoid structural damage.
· Properly dry soaked carpets to prevent mold growth. Throw away anything that can’t be properly dried.
· Have an electrician inspect your electronic equipment that may have suffered water damage before using it
· Disinfect all areas that have been flooded
Let us know how we can help you. If you have questions about a flood damage insurance policy, you may call us at (409) 945-4746 or visit our office today. Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency can provide you with superior customer service and low rates. Get a free quote from us by clicking here.