How To Prepare For A Flood in Blaine
5/26/2015 (Permalink)
America's most common natural disaster is floods. Experts estimate that floods cause $42,000 worth of damage per insurance claim. This means that Americans have spent around four billion dollars on flood damages within the past decade.
According to Livescience, the length and intensity of the rain event are the key factors that lead to a flood. However, a levee or dam breech can also lead to a flood. Regardless of what causes them, floods can result in serious damage. A flood can also be a nightmare for a homeowner.
Fortunately, you can prepare before flood damage in Blaine occurs by taking doing the following things:
1.) Be Informed
You should find out whether you live in a floodplain. Living in a floodplain not only means your area is more likely to flood, but the cost of flood insurance will also increase. If there is a flood warning or watch in your area, then you will need to make sure you stay tuned to the news.
2.) Stock Up
You should prepare yourself for a possible flood by stocking up on the things you need. A first aid kit, flashlight and hand-crank radio are a few of the necessary supplies. You will also need to have enough water, food and medication to last you a few days. Additionally, you should make copies of your deeds, insurance policies and other personal documents.
3.) Prepare To Leave
You should watch the news or listen to the radio for warning signs. You will also need to be prepared to leave if necessary. If there is a flood warning in your area, then you will need to move to higher ground. Try to avoid water. Even if the water is only a 1/2 foot high, you may still fall. If you are unable to escape the flood waters because you are in the car and driving, then you will need to get out of the car and move to a higher ground. Your car could be swept away in a flood.
4.) Wait It Out
Wait until the officials in your area say that it is safe to leave before you go back home. Check to see if every support is intact before you go in the house. Call 911 immediately if you notice a gas smell.
Wear protective clothing and remove every hazardous material, such as fuel containers, batteries and cleaning materials. You may have to have your water treated before consuming it or preparing food. Contact the health department in your area in order to make sure the water supply has not been contaminated.
It does not take much flood water to cause thousands of dollars in damages to a home. You can reduce the risk of serious damage by taking the precautions.
SERVPRO of Coon Rapids/Central Anoka County has experience restoring homes affected by storms and flooding. We can respond immediately with highly trained technicians who employ specialized equipment and techniques to restore your home or business back to pre-storm condition. Our technicians are trained in clean up flooding, flood water damage, home flood damage, clean up flood damage, flood damage cleanup, residential cleaning services, serve pro restoration and surfpro water damage.