What to do if you have flood damage: Before, During and After

Please do not drive today if you do not have to.   A lot of roads are closed at this time.  Most schools are closed.   Bayous and creeks may overflow.  Flash floods can occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall.  Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live or work.  Any street can flood if the street drains are clogged or grounds are saturated.  Flood damage is some of the worst damage we see because the incoming water may be filled with bacteria, sometimes sewage requiring you to remove and replace affected materials like AC units, flooring, baseballs, flooring, sheet rock and furniture.   Just a few inches of flood damage may cause thousands in damage.

Before a Flood

In addition to having flood insurance, know following flood hazard terms will help you recognize and prepare for a flood.

To prepare for a flood, you should:

• Build an emergency kit (flashlight, non perishable flood, medicine, water etc)
• Make a family communications plan (create evacuation plans and set a meeting place)
• Know your stuff.  Keep an inventory of your belongings.
• Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home.
• Elevate if you can when building the AC, furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk.
• Consider installing "check valves" to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
• If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.
• Move your belongings to higher grounds including your vehicles.  Even moving personal items to a second story or attic could prevent flood damage to those items.

During a Flood

If a flood is likely in your area, you should:

• Do not drive - stay home - turn around and don't drown. 
• Listen to the radio or television or smartphone for current information.
• Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
• Be aware of stream, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rain.

If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:

• Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:

• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground, when water is not movng or not more than a few inches deep. You and the vehicle can be swept away quickly.  If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay in the vehicle. If the water is rising inside the vehicle, seek refuge on the roof.
• Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers or creeks, particularly during threatening conditions. 

After the Flood

Your home has been flooded. Although floodwaters may be down in some areas, many dangers still exist. Here are some things to remember in the days ahead:

• Use local alerts and warning systems to get information and expert informed advice as soon as available.
• Avoid moving water.
• If you can safely, take a picture of the flood waters that shows the rising water.   You will have proof for a claim.
• Stay away from damaged areas unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organization.
• Emergency workers will be assisting people in flooded areas. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way.
• Play it safe. Additional flooding or flash floods can occur. Listen for local warnings and information. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, get out immediately and climb to higher ground.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
• Roads may still be closed because they have been damaged or are covered by water. Barricades have been placed for your protection. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, go another way.
• If you must walk or drive in areas that have been flooded.
• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
• Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.

Staying Healthy

A flood can cause physical hazards and emotional stress. You need to look after yourself and your family as you focus on cleanup and repair.

• Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage.
• Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewer systems are serious health hazards.
• Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwaters can contain sewage and chemicals.  Do not try to use if they can be contaminated.
• Discuss your concerns with others and seek help. Contact Red Cross for information on emotional support available in your area.

Cleaning Up and Repairing Your Home

• Turn off the electricity at the main breaker or fuse box, even if the power is off in your community. That way, you can decide when your home is dry enough to turn it back on.
• Get a copy of the book Repairing Your Flooded Home, which is available free from the American Red Cross or your state or local emergency manager. It will tell you:

• The Red Cross can provide you with a cleanup kit: mop, broom, bucket, and cleaning supplies.
• Contact your insurance agent to discuss claims.
• Listen to your radio for information on assistance that may be provided by the state or federal government or other organizations.
• If you hire cleanup or repair contractors, check references and be sure they are qualified to do the job. Be wary of people who drive through neighborhoods offering help in cleaning up or repairing your home.

We are here to help you through this process. Please call our office at 281-484-8320 if you have any questions.