What To Do In The Event Of A Flood

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

In addition to restoration services, we offer reconstruction services to make it "Like it never even happened."

Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Even a minor flood can have the potential to cause major damage to a structure when not treated quickly and properly. If a flood strikes your home or business, give SERVPRO of Glen Burnie a call. Until then here are some tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for preparing your home or business for a flood. 

Before the flood: 

• Have a qualified professional elevate your furnace, water heater and electric panel if they are susceptible to flooding 
• Install “check valves” in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your property 

• Seal walls in your basement with waterproofing compound to help avoid seepage 

During the flood:  

• Turn off all utilities at the main switches 
• Disconnect any electrical appliances 
• Do not touch electrical equipment if your hands are wet, you are wet or you are standing in water 

• Do not walk through moving water (Even six inches of moving water can be enough to make you fall) 

After the flood:  

• Listen for news reports to learn if your community’s water is safe to drink 
• Avoid floodwaters as they may be contaminated by substances such as oil, gasoline or sewage 
• Stay out of any building surrounded by flood waters as you may not know the severity of the situation 

• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe