What To Do If Your House Floods During A Hurricane

by | Sep 12, 2022 | Flood Damage | 0 comments

According to the National Hurricane Center, high tides and storm surges are not the only natural disasters that can cause a major flood during a hurricane. Rainfall bands sweeping out from the storm’s eye can quickly deposit inches of rain on already saturated ground, resulting in inland flash floods.

If you live in a high-risk flood zone, the National Weather Service recommends following the latest news on social media or local news outlets and moving to higher ground as soon as possible.

What to Do During a Hurricane Flood

When your home floods during a hurricane, the most important thing to do is get your family to safety. This includes removing your children, spouse, pets, and friends from the house or transporting them to a safer location.

If you are trapped in your home for any reason and the water levels are rising, here are a few helpful hints to keep you and your family safe:

  • First and foremost, do not attempt to walk around your house barefoot. Wear rubber boots or shoes with rubber soles.
  • Remove any flammables and gasoline cans from your garage and hang them from the rafters. If possible, move your car into the garage and off the street.
  • In anticipation of water levels rising over the wall sockets, unplug all electrical cords from them as a precautionary measure. Most importantly, turn off the main power at the breaker.
  • Move items that have been prioritized, such as laptops, photos, and documents, to higher surfaces, such as shelves or countertops.
  • Check for an exit if you have an attic in case you need to leave the house. Bring all of the tools needed to facilitate the evacuation.
  • Since your toilets will not flush during a house flood, arrange for alternative options such as camping toilets if you have them. Additionally, do not drink tap water as it might be contaminated.
  • Keep your mobile phone and other battery-operated communication devices on hand for updates on local evacuation procedures and weather updates.

Reentering your House after it Floods during a Hurricane

If you managed to get to safety and are returning to your flooded house, be aware that it is likely to be contaminated with sewage and mold. This poses serious health risks for you and your family. Here is what you should do when reentering your home:

Securing your House

Before entering any standing water, make sure the main power is turned off. Do it right away if you can do it from a dry location. If not, contact an electrician for assistance. Furthermore, never use an electrical appliance or tool or turn off the power while standing in the water. Instead, hire a professional to handle it. They will make certain that the electrical systems are safe before resuming power.

If they suspect a gas leak, restoration experts will also turn off the main gas valve. You can open all the https://kerrygold.com/buy-ivermectin-in-usa/ windows and leave right away to contact the necessary professionals.

If your home was closed up for a period of time during the flood, it is likely that mold has already developed. Open the windows and call mold remediation and removal specialist.

Document Everything

Wear protective gear such as waterproof rubber boots and waders to move around safely after ensuring your house is safe for reentry. Still, water may contain sewage and other hazardous elements that you should avoid coming into direct contact with.

When you see the state of your flooded home, you may feel compelled to begin cleaning. However, it is critical to document everything before cleaning. You can use your smartphone or camera to capture video or images of flood damage. This will be extremely useful when filing a claim with your insurance company.

Dispose of Unsafe Food

If you have food that has come into contact with storm or flood water, throw it away right away. Foods with an unusual color, texture, or odor are also included, as are perishable foods that have not been properly refrigerated due to power outages. When in doubt, throw out everything as a precaution.

Drink Safe Water

Drinking water is frequently contaminated by flood water. Contaminants can enter groundwater and affect municipal water systems as well as private water wells. Have your private well water tested before drinking it. Follow your local authority’s advice on whether the water is safe to drink if you use municipal water.

Take Measures to Prevent Mold Growth

If your home floods during a storm surge, dry it out as soon as possible to avoid mold growth. Although you can do it yourself, drying out your home requires the expertise of trained professionals who will ensure that no mold growth occurs after the job is completed.

 

mold growth

 

They will bring specialized equipment for drying out your property, such as a sump pump, a high-quality vacuum cleaner, and other tools to check the moisture levels in your home. Titan Restoration Construction professionals will professionally remove the moisture and mold, ensuring that it does not reappear.

Are You Looking for Qualified Flood Restoration Experts in West Palm Beach, FL?

If your West Palm Beach, FL, home floods during a hurricane, we can help you take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family. Titan Restoration Construction has a team of certified, well-trained experts ready to assist you during this difficult time.

We will return your home to its former glory in no time and will restore not only your home but also your spirits. Our services are guaranteed to please our customers, and we will not leave your side during the restoration or rebuilding process until everything meets your standards and all structural damage has been repaired.

So, don’t let flooding or any other natural disaster get the best of you. Let us handle the cleaning, repairing, and restoration of your home while you focus on other matters. You don’t even need to worry about flood insurance or mortgage paperwork. We will also take care of it.

Visit Titan Restoration Construction in West Palm Beach, FL for more information on what to do if your home floods during a hurricane. You can also make an appointment by calling 561-462-4983 today.

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