How to Prepare for, Respond to, and Recover from Flooding

How to Prepare for, Respond to, and Recover from Flooding

At AllAces Cleaning & Restoration we often deal with issues related to water damage. During heavy rainfall seasons we are often inundated with calls related to water damage and flooded homes and businesses. Many homes and businesses are often caught off guard during these seasons. As a home or business owner, it is important to know how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from flooding. 

When flooding is imminent 

If you are aware that flooding is imminent in your area, there are important things that you can do to avoid costly damage and health risks:

  • Clean your gutters, downspouts, and drains of debris to allow water to flow freely. 
  • Take your furniture and electronic equipment to a higher floor. 
  • If possible, remove your rugs and store them on a higher floor. This will reduce the chance of having them damaged by water. 
  • Make sure to inspect sump pumps and drains to see if they are in perfect working condition. 
  • Turn off electrical service if there is a chance that your electrical system and outlets may be submerged by water. 
  • Make sure to place your appliances like washers, dryers, and stoves in a place that won’t be reached by water or at least above the projected flood elevation. 
  • If there are cracks in your walls or foundation, seal them properly. 
  • You may want to consider installing backflow valves. These can come in handy when you want to prevent water from flowing into your property through sewage lines. 
  • Make sure that you have an emergency kit and a flood evacuation plan for your home of business.

During the flooding

  • Stay alert for any food updates. Monitor radio and TV stations. 
  • If local officials advise to evacuate your area, then evacuate immediately and safely. Follow instructions. 
  • If you notice that water starts to rise around your property, evacuate to a higher floor or ground, even if officials have not advised evacuation. 
  • As you proceed to the evacuation area, be mindful of washed-out roads, flooded areas, and downed power lines. You should not attempt to drive over a flooded area. Find another route. 

Recovery after the flood

  • When water has receded and it is safe to go back to your home or business, you should disconnect all electrical equipment and move it to a safe and dry location. 
  • Try to remove as much standing water as possible from your property. 
  • You should remove damaged materials immediately. 
  • If the air is not moist outside, allow it to come in by opening your windows. You can use ventilators or dehumidifiers to dry out the property. 
  • By responding quickly to water damage, you have a better chance of salvaging usable items and reduce the chance of rust and mould growth. 

If in doubt, call a professional water damage restoration company like AllAces Cleaning & Restoration to help you to recover from flooding. Call us today on 1800 00 1010.

We are here to help

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