Preparing for Flash Floods Safely | SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale

4/1/2024 (Permalink)

Flooding is no joke. Call SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale for faster response to any size disaster.

We have all seen devastating footage of serious floods that have happened across the country and across the world, and these situations can always leave us feeling a little unnerved. No one thinks that a dangerous flood will happen in their community until the warnings are going off and everyone is scrambling for higher ground. 

Experiencing a flash flood is a very real threat that everyone in the Oxford community needs to prepare for because there usually isn’t much time to react after the warning is issued. Use these tips to help you and your family stay safe! 

Understanding Floods 

Floods don’t happen just because it’s raining a lot. While that is certainly a contributing factor, things like previous drought and the current ground conditions come into play as well. 

This is especially true for metro areas as there isn’t as much natural ground to soak up the excess water. Rivers and streams can also be the source of flash flooding as they swell up with the rainfall and overflow.

While it can be difficult to predict which area of our community will be directly affected by a flood, it is important to stay out of low-lying areas and keep an eye on your property. If you notice the water is starting to collect into pools, it means that your ground is becoming oversaturated and could start to flood toward your house. 

We always recommend staying home and avoiding travel during flood conditions because as little as six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down and only two feet of water can sweep away your car. 

What to Do When Your Home Floods 

If your home is in a flood zone, prepare for the possibility of a wet basement or lowest level right away. Get important documents and keepsakes out of the area and away from walls and consider getting your electronics and appliances up on cinder blocks to protect them from damage. You should also consider shutting off power to this area temporarily to reduce the risk of accidentally charging the water if your outlets flood.

If your home does start to flood or you see it begin to leak down your walls, don’t panic. There isn’t much you can do at the moment, so stay on higher ground and stay out of the water. 

Floodwater can be hazardous because it can pick up all sorts of things as it travels from outside into your home. Sewage, storm runoff and even dangerous chemicals could be lurking just below the surface. 

Recovery After a Flood 

One of the benefits of working with a local restoration company is that we witness the same weather as you do! The only difference is that when flood warnings are issued, we get started on forming teams and gathering supplies in anticipation of your phone call for help.

We will get right to work removing the excess water and securing your home from further damage. If the flood caused structural damage to your home or even damage to your possessions, our crew will make sure to dry everything out and handle every repair from start to finish.

Suffering a flood can be really frustrating. Let SERVPRO of Oxford/Batesville/Clarksdale handle your entire flood restoration.