What to Do After a Flood

6/23/2017 (Permalink)

Floods are one of the most common natural disasters in North America, but not all floods are alike. Some develop gradually after days of slow, steady rain while others are flash floods resulting from a deluge of rain or dam failure.

Storms can cause severe damage to your home—potentially even making them unsafe! SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, you can call us at (916) 632-2250 to get immediate help.

What You Should Do After a Flood

Even if you were properly prepared for the flood and weathered the storm until it passed, your home could still have sustained heavy damage. Now that the sky is blue once more, how do you proceed? Here’s a look at what to do after a flood:

Be Cautious

Just because the sun is shining and the flood waters have receded, that doesn’t mean all danger has passed. Exercise caution by doing the following:

Tune into local alerts and warning systems to stay up-to-date with current information and receive expert, informed advice about the flood. After all, additional flooding could still occur.

Stay away from rushing water. Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet.

Avoid walking through large areas of standing water, which may be electrically charged by downed power lines. The water could also be hiding broken glass or dangerous animals.

Unless you are specifically asked for help by the police, fire department, or relief workers, keep out of damaged areas.

Help emergency workers by staying off the roads in and out of the damaged neighborhood or region.

If you’re caught in a stalled car during a flash flood, abandon the car and get to higher ground immediately.

Heed barricades and find an alternate route if you encounter one blocking your way. Crossing bridges even after the water has receded could be dangerous if the structural integrity has been jeopardized.

Return home only when the authorities permit it. Even then, stay out of the building if it’s surrounded by flood waters and exercise extreme caution when you do enter.

Stay Safe and Healthy

Take care of you and your family as cleanup efforts begin. To stay safe and healthy, remember the following:

Turn off the home’s electricity at the main breaker box, even if the power is out. Only turn the power on when your home is dry.

Avoid floodwater, which may be contaminated with sewage, gasoline, or oil.

Fix damaged sewer systems as soon as possible.

Don’t drink water from the tap. Listen to news reports to learn when the community’s water is safe to drink again.

Get Help After a Flood

SERVPRO of Auburn/Rocklin is prepared for the unpredictable—and you can call us day or night to get disaster relief and recovery. We’re here to help you get back on your feet and make it look like it never happened. Contact us today to start the cleanup process without delay.