Floods and Your Safety: Key Steps to Take | SERVPRO of Kent

12/22/2023 (Permalink)

Has an unexpected flood recently hit your home? SERVPRO of Kent is here to restore. Call us today!

It’s no secret that we experience a lot of rainy days here on the West Coast, and rain can be particularly troublesome if it starts to infiltrate our homes. Flood situations can happen in the blink of an eye, leaving you with a serious situation and a lot of questions.

Floods also don’t only happen when it rains! A burst water line or broken water main down the street can cause flood conditions unexpectedly. Knowing what to do before, during and after a flood can help you stay safe and in control.

Staying Safe in Any Conditions

Heeding all weather warnings is crucial for your safety, but especially when they involve flash flooding concerns. If a flood warning is issued, start getting your home ready immediately or head for home right away if you are out and about. You definitely do not want to be stranded in your car when the rain comes falling down.

Tidy up your yard by bringing children’s toys, outdoor lawn equipment and yard maintenance tools inside or into your garage. Tie down whatever cannot be moved inside, remembering that even just a few inches of fast moving water can sweep away really heavy objects.

You should also get your cars inside the garage, if you have one. Once that is all done, head inside to locate your emergency kit and weather radio. Find a spot to wait out the storm safely and stay tuned into the local weather reports.

When the Water Starts to Flow

Floods can happen quickly with huge gushes of water or they can happen slowly as water leaks down your walls or through cracks in your foundation. If water does start to get into your home, stay calm and stay above the water line.

Eventually, the water will stop rushing in and you can start to assess the situation. Move slowly around your home in the aftermath of a flood, as water can easily compromise the safety of your walls and floors. Wear sturdy boots and long pants if you must walk through standing water to get to safety.

You should also prioritize taking pictures of the damage. Fresh images following a flood is one of the best things you can do to set you up for success with your insurance company. After that, get us on the phone so we can get started on your restoration.

Restoring Your Home

Our first goal will be to secure your home to prevent any more water from getting inside, and then we get right to work to remove the standing water and lingering moisture. The longer water sits, the more dangerous it can be for your home, so we prioritize efficiency. We will also start drying out your more fragile possessions at this time.

When everything is dry and ready to be returned into your home, we will work on your repairs. Floodwater can ruin walls, floors and even ceilings, and it can cause serious structural damage.

The good news is that no damage is too large or too destructive for us to confidently handle. Call us as soon as you suffer flood damage so we can take care of you.

Recovering after a flood is possible with SERVPRO of Kent. Contact us 24/7 for quick flood restoration assistance.