Keep Yourself and Your Property Prepared for Hurricane Floods

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

Call on the experts at SERVPRO for immediate assistance with flood damage to your property after a hurricane.

Never wait until hurricane season to ensure your property is ready to handle extreme weather conditions. Flooding from significant storm events and hurricanes can occur anywhere, even when you reside in an area with low-to-moderate flood risk. All property owners should be prepared for hurricane floods, as doing so could save you thousands in damage and loss. 

Did you know? Flood-proofing your home might lessen damage to your foundation and your personal belongings.

Take Necessary Measures to Protect your Home and Loved Ones from Flooding

Regardless if you live in a high-risk or low-risk zone, having proper insurance coverage and working to strengthen your home against flood damage can mean saving thousands on water removal services and repair costs. 

The good news is you can follow some crucial steps to ensure you are protected and safe in the event of hurricane flooding:

• Step One: Assess Your Risk Level 

Flood risk levels vary from one region to another. Those at higher risk tend to be communities near dams, rivers, mountains, and densely populated areas. If you are unsure about your flood risk level, you can use FEMA’s flood map tool to determine your likelihood of flooding.

• Step Two: Have Flood Insurance Coverage

Many homeowners fail to realize that most home and renter’s insurance policies do not cover flood insurance. Check to see what you have for protection, as you may need to purchase flood insurance through the FEMA-administered National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

• Step Three: Prepare Your Property

Take measures to protect your property from damaging flood waters. For example, all drains, gutters, and downspouts should be clear and function smoothly. You may also take measures to ensure you have ample sloping to keep water moving away from your foundation. Installing a sump pump is also wise to help keep your lowest level from taking on water.

• Step Four: Safety During and After Flooding
  

You always need to prepare before a flood to lessen the damage. However, you can also remember several tips to help during a flood. For example, always heed warnings and listen if evacuations are ordered. Avoid moving through flood water as there can be dangerous debris and other hazards. 

What Can I do After a Flood?

Each situation is unique, but there are safeguards you can educate yourself and your family on to remain safe after a flood. Keep the following in mind:

• Shut off power at your home’s main breaker if appliances or devices are still plugged in. NEVER use wet electrical devices.
• If your power went out, opt for flashlights rather than candles, if possible. Should you have to use candles, keep the flames away from anything that might catch fire.
• Always drink safe water and eat safe food. You can keep emergency food and water supply handy so that you have items on hand if you cannot reach a store for some time. NEVER eat or drink anything that may have come into contact with storm or flood water. 

SERVPRO for Rapid Water Cleanup and Disaster Response

The certified technicians at SERVPRO are on standby in natural disasters like hurricanes and storm flooding. We have backup generator power should yours be out and always come equipped to handle water removal services and drying. We entrust Connecticut Reconstruction Services (CRS) for reconstructions and extreme demolition. Together, we make your property “Like it never even happened.

Reach out to SERVPRO of Northern Westchester County at (914) 241-8100 should you require restoration and drying after a flood. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.