How to Prepare You, Your Family, and Your Home for a Flood

7/18/2018 (Permalink)

For those of us that live on the coast, or on a low part of the neighborhood, flooding is all too familiar. However, flooding can also happen from a clogged storm drain or a pipe bursting in the apartment above you. Depending on the severity of the flooding in your areas, there are some ways to help prepare your home and your family for a flood.

1. Have a checklist for Gas, Water, and Electric. This includes:
-disconnecting all appliances,
-turning off electrical power at the main breaker boxes,
-turn off all gas at the main line,
and most importantly,
-Turn off all water at the main line! During flooding, pipes inside the house can burst and create further damage.
2. Have a flood kit prepared for emergency situations. This list should include:
-A gallon of water per person per day
-A 3 day supply of nonperishable foods that are easy to make
-Flashlight
-Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio (NOAA Weather radio if possible)
-Extra batteries
-first aid kit
-Sanitation and personal hygiene items
-Cell phone and cell phone portable chargers
-Family emergency contact information
-Maps of the area
-Emergency blanket
-Extra set of car keys and house keys
-Extra clothing and sturdy shoes
-Rain gear
-Camera for photos of damage
There are also other checklist items to consider if you or someone you live with is elderly, has a pet, or has a child:
-Baby food and formula
-Diapers
-Hearing aids and prescription medications
-Extra food and water for all pets
This checklist is provided to you by the American Red Cross. Click the link for more information.
3. Evacuate or head to higher ground. When evacuating, keep children out of the water and never tread through flowing water that is six inches deep. If you find yourself in a situation where the water is rising above six inches, turn around and go another way. Always try to find high ground for you and anyone else you are with.
4. Install backflow valves or plugs
"During a flood sewer and storm drains can back up and force sewage into your washing machines, bathtubs, sinks, and dishwashers, which can then overflow onto your floors" (Homes.com, 2018).
5. Have a backup water supply and unperishable foods for after the flooding has receded. After a flood, do not drink well water or the city water until it has been tested and verified by the local health department. Buying bottled water for a "just in case" flood comes in handy. All food that has been contaminated by the water has to be disposed of accordingly.
6. Learn how to use sandbags and plastic sheets effectively. While these tools, even if installed correctly, will not keep out all of the water, they will reduce the amount of flooding inside your home causing less damage to your property.
7. Whereas if you live in an apartment, #4 on our list will not do you much good. However, having a backup plan when a pipe does burst will help with keeping everyone calm and organized in the face of the emergency. Call your leasing office to see if they have a plan in place for when such an incident might occur.
These are just a few of the safety and preparation tips for flooding. Help keep you, your family, and your home safe by staying educated and alert about possible flooding situations. If you or anyone you know needs emergency service for flooding call SERVPRO of Port Jefferson for their 1-4-8 emergency services. In 1-hour SERVPRO professionals will address your call, in 4-hours we will send in a group of trained professionals to help with the situation, and in 8-hours we will have your claims sent to your insurance agency.