Flood Preparation & Procedures

4/7/2016 (Permalink)

Identify local waterways that could flood your home or business.

Flooding is one of the most common, most costly, and most dangerous weather disasters you can experience. Flooding may occur from a light rain falling day after day. Or flooding may happen when a deluge of water drops from the sky in a short time. Here’s how you can be prepared and what to do if flooding does strike.

Flood Preparation
1. Identify local waterways that threaten your home or business.
2. Preplan several evacuation routes from both your home and your business.
3. Make copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, financial information, marriage certificate, etc.) and store them in a remote location like a bank safe deposit box.
4. Check with your insurance agent about your coverage or need for flood insurance.
5. Prepare an evacuation bag. Include personal hygiene items, water, snacks, spare cash, a flashlight, and anything else that you or your family might need to stay safe for 72 hours or longer. For more items see our post, “Your Emergency Supply Kit Checklist.”

Need Water Restoration Advice Or Services? Call SERVPRO Of Bloomfield/Enfield At (860) 216-2785

6. Your evacuation bag should have at least a 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food.
7. Have a weather radio, smart phone app, or other means to receive flood warnings and weather updates. Keep it close and turned on.
8. Take photographs of every room in your home or business. Be certain to capture the most valuable and hard to replace items (artwork, cars, jewelry, etc.). Store the photos on a portable device like a flash drive or memory card. Keep that device in your evacuation bag.
9. If you have a sump pump make sure it’s working. Consider installing a battery-operated backup, in case of a power failure.
10. Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.

Flood Procedures
1. Follow all appropriate flood warnings by the National Weather Service, local media, or any official authority issuing instructions due to an impending flood.
2. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
3. Move outdoor furniture or decorative items inside. Move important, valuable items upstairs.
4. Turn off water, gas, and electricity at the main shut-offs and unplug electrical equipment.
5. Lock all doors and windows.
6. Evacuate to a safe location.
7. Avoid driving or walking through moving water. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.
8. Avoid flood waters. They’re usually toxic and filled with hazardous materials and bacteria.
Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.
9. Beware of downed power lines that could go unnoticed on the ground, on a chain-link fence, or in water.
10. Stay away from animals. They may be afraid and defend themselves aggressively. 
11. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood danger.


Here To Help
The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield has specialized training and experience in water restoration services, natural disaster prevention, and flood water cleanup. Call SERVPRO of  Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime, 24/7.

We've served clients in Avon, Agawam, Bloomfield, Coventry, East Hartford, East Longmeadow, Ellington, Enfield, Farmington, Hartford, Manchester, Newington, Simsbury, South Windsor, Springfield, West Hartford, and beyond.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Franchise Owner
Call (860) 216-2785
24 hour emergency service