Flood Safety: Dealing with Water Damage in Your House

Floods can be disastrous for you and your property. Follow the right procedures to avoid any major disasters.

Preparation

Evacuate the premises when recommended. If you have adequate time to prepare, here are a few things you should take care of before you leave:

Disconnect your appliances and HVAC units.
Shut off electrical power and natural gas or propane tanks.
Buy and install sump pumps with back-up power. To further prevent issues with sewer connections, install backflow valves or plugs. If you face any issues, consult a plumber.
Bring all outdoor furniture inside or tie it down so it stays in place.
Pack an emergency kit with:

At least a gallon of water per day per person and pet (Store at least for a few days),
Food for yourself and your pets,
Insect repellent,
Boots, gloves, and a change of clothes,
Collect ID and important documents and store them in a waterproof container.

Sign up for notifications, such as CODE RED – This is Centre County’s mass notification system used to alert them in the event of an emergency. This includes evacuation notices, power outages, and the location of emergency shelters. Register on the Centre County Government Website.
Make sure your vehicle is gassed up and your car is ready to go in the event of an evacuation.

After the Flood

Contact your insurance company.
Wait for the all-clear signal before returning to your home. If you have standing water, turn off the main power from a dry location. If you can’t get to the main power source due to water, contact an electrician to turn it off. Do not attempt to shut it off on your own. Make sure you call an electrician to get everything checked and turned back on.
Check the property for any damage and take photos for insurance purposes and to share with any professionals who may be helping you out.
Keep in mind that your home may have been damaged by raw sewage or other contaminants. Wear boots, gloves, and appropriate safety gear to protect yourself from potential illnesses and infections due to contaminants.
Throw away any food that may have been in contact with flooding or may have been ruined by lack of power and refrigeration. Make sure to drink water that is fit for human consumption. Groundwater and well water may not be safe. Check with the proper authorities on the safety of your drinking water and drink bottled water until you’re sure.
Check for unusual sounds and smells to warn you about potential dangers such as a gas leak or any electrical issues. Contact the appropriate utility company and licensed contractors.
Have your HVAC system checked by a maintenance professional before restarting the system.
Take the proper steps to dry out your home and prevent mold. Contact STOP Restoration (STOP), a full-service restoration company to help you take care of the damage. We handle everything: from the initial drying out to rebuilding your home. We use the latest techniques and professional grade drying equipment to restore your home back to normal. We also work with your insurance company to smooth out any issues in the claim process. We know how traumatic a flood can be, let us help you get your life back to normal as soon as possible.

STOP Restoration (STOP) can help you with: