Preparing Your Property for Hurricanes and Flooding

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

Flood damage after a hurricane can be extensive. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for flooding restoration services.

Hurricanes generate heavy downpours and high wind that wreak havoc in certain areas and often lead to intense flooding. You must know your flood risk should you live in a hurricane-prone region, allowing you to take the necessary steps to prepare should one strike. Knowing flood hazards and what to do before, during, and after a hurricane will be highly beneficial for any property owner.

Did you know? According to FEMA, even a single inch of water could lead to a homeowner experiencing approximately $25,000 in losses. 

Protecting your Home and Family from Flooding 

Regardless of living in a low or high-risk area, having the right insurance coverage and boosting your home’s structural integrity could save you thousands in flood damage repair costs. Several necessary steps to consider will lower your risk and help you protect your family and home should a hurricane flood occur:

• Know Your Risk Level – Many homeowners may not realize that densely populated areas are as high a risk as communities settled near waterways and dams. Knowing your property’s risk level makes it easier to identify ways to keep your home safe. FEMA has a handy flood map tool that lays out color-coded zones to tell you the likelihood of flooding in your area.
• Have Proper Insurance Coverage – Do you have flood insurance for your property? The right coverage will cover damage directly caused by flooding, minus the noted deductible. Remember that most renter and homeowner policies will not include flood insurance. Therefore, you may need to purchase your own flood insurance coverage with the National Flood Insurance Program, or NFIP. 
• Protect Your Home from Flooding – The more measures in place to protect your home and outbuildings, the better. Ensure the water flows away from your home and consistently clean your drains and gutters. FEMA’s website also includes handy information for keeping your home and belongings safe in the event of a flood.
• Remain Safe During and After Flooding – Preventing harm to your family and minimizing property damage comes with proper preparation. Listen to weather reports and local radio during a flood, making sure to evacuate if suggested. Whenever a flash flood warning comes out, immediately get to higher ground. After a flood, always be cautious of electrical outlets and plugs, and avoid traveling in the water. Floodwater is known for harboring contamination like oil, sewage, and dangerous debris.

Education and Preparation are Vital

The more you know about preparing your family and property if a hurricane strikes that leads to flooding, the better. In addition to cleaning your drains, downspouts, and gutters, you can also take steps to prep your property by:

• Installing water alarms or a sump pump
• Make digital backups of important documents and store originals in a secure spot
• Devise an evacuation plan for your family to include possible safe routes and shelter locations
• Put together an emergency kit you can bring with you during an evacuation (food, water, batteries, handheld radio, flashlight, etc.)

How do I Handle Water Damage to my Property After a Flood?

Once your family and any pets are safe, contact the skilled technicians at SERVPRO to handle water removal services and structural safety. We have disaster response teams in the area to help homeowners in emergency flooding situations. We arrive fast and begin assessments as soon as possible to limit the loss and get your property back to pre-flood condition. 

• Containment measures get put into place, and water extraction begins.
• We sort contents and determine salvageability of materials, disposing of debris according to local guidelines.
• In extreme demolition and reconstruction situations, we proudly partner with Connecticut Reconstruction Services (CRS) to make your property “Like it never even happened.”

Hurricane flooding and water damage are no match for our IICRC-certified team at SERVPRO of Waterbury. Call us at (203) 757-5050 to mobilize a crew to your door for emergency cleanup and restoration.