Here are some friendly tips to prepare before, during and after a flood.
Before a Flood
- Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
- Move your vehicle to higher grounds.
- Elevate the AC, furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk.
- Consider installing "check valves" to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
- If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.
During a Flood
If a flood is likely in your area, you should:
- Download a local weather ap, listen to the radio or television to keep up to date.
- Move immediately to higher ground within your home or office building but do not try to drive as roads may be flooded.
- Move essential items to an upper floor or attic only if you have time.
- Place sand bags or plastic bags or even towels around openings to avoid water intake.
- Wrap porous furniture legs with aluminum foil to avoid damage.
- If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:
- Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
- Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground, when water is not movng or not more than a few inches deep. You and the vehicle can be swept away quickly. If the water is rising inside the vehicle, seek refuge on the roof.
- Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers or creeks, particularly during threatening conditions.
After the Flood
Although floodwaters may be down in some areas, many dangers still exist. Here are some things to remember in the days ahead:
- Safety First - locate your loved ones including pets
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The Road to Recovery As soon as floodwater levels have dropped, it's time to start the recovery process. Here's what you can do to begin restoring your home.
- If your home has suffered damage, call your insurance agent to file a claim.
- Check for structural damage to avoid being trapped in a building collapse.
- Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.
- Boil water for drinking and food preparation until authorities tell you that your water supply is safe.
- Prevent mold by removing wet contents immediately.
- Wear gloves and boots to clean and disinfect. Wet items should be cleaned with a pine-oil cleanser and bleach, completely dried, and monitored for several days for any fungal growth and odors.
To discuss this please contact us.
Suzanne Brown Insurance Agency
A Houston, Texas Independent Insurance Agency with over 100 insurance carriers
www.SuzanneBrownAgency.com
281-558-2210