What Precautions Can You Take Against Flood Damage?

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

When dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. Contact SERVPRO of South Bronx for prompt & dependable service.

Because it’s a harsh truth that some form of flooding is involved in 90% of natural disasters, the chances of homeowners dealing with flooding at some point in their life is high.

Homeowners should always be aware of their risks concerning natural disaster-related floods, and know how to lessen their chances of water damage in the process.

Ways to Lessen Damages From a Flood

Learning a flood is imminent can be a frightening time. Though disaster-related flooding cannot be prevented, homeowners can take steps to limit the damage a flood may cause:

Know your risk. Use the FEMA Flood Map Tool or call the local branch of your emergency management office to better understand your risk and the precautions to take.

Anchor fuel and propane tanks. Propane tanks can become dislodged in the event of rushing waters, so anchoring them to the ground is advised.

Turn off electricity. Never take risks when electricity and water are concerned. If you think any part of your home might flood, cut the electricity to that area immediately.

Digitize valuables. Items considered irreplaceable, such as family memorabilia, tax records and household documents, should be digitized and the physical copies kept off-site or in a waterproof safe.

Protect appliances. In the case of a shallow flood, appliances such as washers and dryers can be elevated on bricks or stands to protect the internal workings from water damage.

Elevate hazardous materials. Dangerous chemicals are contained in many household liquids, which can leach into the water and create even more dangers. Elevate these products in order to keep the area safe.

In the event of a disaster, keeping your family out of harm’s way is your primary concern. Advanced precautions can go a long way in keeping your home safe, and will lessen your likelihood of obtaining severe damages.

If you’ve experienced flood damage or water damage from other causes, SERVPRO® of South Bronx is here to help. Our technicians are fully trained in water remediation, and our ²⁴⁄₇ Emergency Line means we’ll be there for you when you call.