Tips for Homeowners to Lessen Flood Damage | SERVPRO® of Madison/Goodlettsville

6/20/2019 (Permalink)

The unfortunate truth about homeownership is that you must be prepared for disasters you might not even know you are at risk for. Even for homes that are not in low-lying areas, it is important to understand what to do should a flood occur.

With about natural disasters involving flooding about 90% of the time, it is important knowledge regardless of location.

<h3your-home-from-a-flood">Protecting Your Home From a Flood

While there are no measures you can take to prevent a flood, there are steps homeowners can take to prevent the extensive damage a flood may cause:

Know your risk. Consult with the local branch of emergency management personnel to understand your area’s evacuation procedures, and make use of the FEMA Flood Map Tool to review historic flood data in your area.

Discuss emergency procedures. Make sure each family member is aware of what to do should evacuation be imminent, and ensure they can locate all emergency supplies within the household.

Raise hazardous materials. The substances that can spill into flood water can cause pollution and create toxic water or even fire hazards. Put things like oil or paint on a high shelf so they are not pulled in to the current.

Turn off electricity. Use your breaker box to shut off power in any room that might be at risk for flooding, even if you don’t think the water is likely to get very high. Currents can carry for a variety of reasons so it is better to be prepared.

Prepare appliances. In the case of a shallow flood, appliances such as washers and dryers can be elevated on bricks or stands to protect the internal workings from water damage.

By planning ahead, homeowners can keep their family safe and lessen the damage water would cause in their home following a flood. These simple precautions can ensure a safer scenario for your loved ones and your home.

If you’ve experienced water damage due to a flood or other causes, SERVPRO® of Madison/Goodlettsville is here to help. Our fully trained water remediation technicians will be there for you when you call.