What to do before a Flood

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Flood Sign

Flooding is the most common and most destructive type of natural disaster. Although floods are often associated with overflowing rivers and sea swells accompanying tropical storms, they can happen in areas far from a body of water. As a result, cities can become flooded during periods of heavy rain. Therefore, if you live in an area prone to flooding, preparing for a flood should be part of your preparedness plan.

Here are our suggestions on how to prepare for a flood.

Get Flood Insurance

Many people find out they are at risk for flooding too late, and, even worse, their property insurance does not cover flood damage.

In fact, according to the National Flood Insurance Program, flooding occurs in every state, and 25% of all floods occur in low-to-moderate risk areas.

Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. Homeowner's insurance policies do not cover flooding. Instead, it typically takes up to 30 days for an approach to effect, so the time to buy is well before a disaster.

Know Your Risk for Floods

To be protected against floods, it is essential to know your area's risks. Visit FEMA's Flood Map Service Center to learn the types of flood risk in your area. You can also sign up for your community's warning systems like EAS & NOAA.

Prepare for a Flood

Make a plan for your household, including your pets, so that you and your family know what to do, where to go, and what you will need to protect yourselves from flooding. Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response. Gather supplies, including non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, and water for several days if you must leave immediately or services are off in your area. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.

 Make a household inventory.

Save copies of birth certificates, passports, medical records, and insurance papers in a safe, dry place. Keep original documents in a watertight safety deposit box—store valuables where they won't get damaged. 

Our SERVPRO team of Grand Junction is prepared for any storm damage emergency. Our highly trained restoration technicians are ready to assist you 24-hours a day. Call us today at 970-241-8181. We'll restore your storm damage in The High Rockies, and we will make it "Like it never even happened."

Authored by: Chafika and James Landers

Certifications

• AMRT -Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
• ASD -Applied Structural Drying Technician
• CCT -Carpet Cleaning Technician
• ECTP -Employee Certification Training Program
• FSRT -Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• HST -Health and safety Technician
• OCT -Odor Control Technician
• RRRP -Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
  WRT-Water Damage Restoration Technician
• IICRC -Certified Firm

Affiliations

• ASBO
• EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm
• Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification

Awards

• Emergency Ready Plan Preparedness