Flood Preparedness Tips

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

These tips were provided by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to help you prepare your home or business for a flood.

Before the Flood:

• Have a qualified professional elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel is susceptible to flooding.
• Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home or business.
• Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to help avoid seepage.

During the Flood:

• Turn off all 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.
• Do not walk through moving water.  Even six inches or moving water can make you fall.

After the Flood:

• Listen for news reports to learn if the community's water supply is safe to drink.
• Avoid floodwaters.  Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage.  Water may also be electrically charged.
• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

If you do find yourself in a situation where your home has been affected by flood damage, Call SERVPRO of Roanoke to make it, "Like it never even happened."