How to Prepare for a Flood

Flooding can happen anytime, anywhere. Are you prepared?

It’s important to be prepared for a flood – and it’s just as important to know what to do after a flood.

Follow these tips to be prepared for flooding:

Before a Flood

Make sure that you have adequate flood insurance.

Prepare a kit with emergency supplies. Also prepare a safe room in your home; include your emergency supplies, an air purifier, and a TV or radio. Plan an evacuation route in case you need to leave your home.

If you know a flood is coming, you can place sandbags around doors and windows. Place valuable items on high shelves.

Turn off your power before a flood hits.

During a Flood

Monitor the news and stay in a safe place.

Stay out of flood water and never drink flood water.

After a Flood

Contact your insurance company.

Extract any standing water with a water pump, or call a water damage restoration company.

Open doors and windows to air out the house, and turn on dehumidifiers.

Dry out and disinfect any wet items immediatley. (Mold begins to grow in just two days.) Dri-Eaz manufactures a variety of products that will help you dry carpet, upholstery, and more.

If water damage is extensive, call a water damage restoration professional immediately.

See How to Handle a Flood for more detailed information.