Flood Action Steps: Preventing Water Damage

1/4/2024 (Permalink)

Water Damage can occur unexpectedly from malfunctioning appliances like dishwashers or toilets, but a lot of the time it occurs from an outside source like heavy rainfall or snow. If you notice a lot of rainfall accumulating or if your area issues a flood warning, there are several steps you can take to minimize potential damages to your residential property or commercial business.

1. Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so by local authorities
2. Disconnect electrical equipment and appliances in your home
3. Move vehicles out of the low lying parking garage in commercial spaces
4. Raise elevators from the bottom floor in commercial spaces
5. Remove valuable items from basements and relocate them to an upper level of the home or space
6. Ensure that you have food, water, and other essentials if the flooding is predicted to be bad enough where you may not be able to leave your home

In the case of evacuation, avoid attempting to drive through floods or rising water. It is always better to evacuate as early as possible if you are told to by local weather authorities instead of taking the chance of getting trapped in your home or business. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water or try to walk through moving water to salvage items. 

In the case of a flood for a commercial business, secure the property to the best of your ability. Contact local emergency officials and your local damage restoration company. 

Always remember, your safety is the most important in any water damage or flooding situation. We are here to help dry out water damaged areas and provide reconstruction services after the flooding has occurred, but it is always best to watch out for your own safety first.