Floods are very powerful and dangerous, and they can happen unexpectedly. If you have a house flood or if your area has a flood warning, there are things you can do to stay safe during and after the water goes away.
If There’s a Flood Warning
If there’s a flood alert, you have time to prepare. Here’s what you should do:
- Gather emergency supplies. This includes water, non-perishable food, and first aid supplies.
- Listen to the news for updates.
- Protect your vaccination records, and keep them in a safe but easy to access location.
- If you need to evacuate, turn off your utilities. You can access the main power switch and turn off the gas valve.
- If you live in or are visiting a flood-prone area, evacuate immediately.
During the Flood
Your flood safety planning will change depending on if the flood is outside or inside.
An outside flood safety plan includes:
- Moving to or staying on higher ground
- Not walking or driving through flowing water — remember the phrase “turn around, don’t drown”
- Following instructions from safety organizations and individuals
Inside flood safety plans include:
- If you can access the electricity without stepping through the water, turn off the electricity.
- Turning off the water source.
- Evacuating the premises.
After the Flood
Just because the water is gone doesn’t mean the danger is. You have to remember to:
- Check for damage but be safe about it.
- Disinfect and clean what you can, but wear protective gear when handling anything.
- Don’t drink, cook, or clean with flood water.
- If you have to use a generator or pressure washer, use it 20 feet away from doors, windows, and vents.
Plumbing Help
Not all plumbing issues are as dangerous as floods, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still serious. From leaks to burst pipes, you need to call a professional immediately to save yourself some money and minimize the risk of water damage. BPI Plumbing can help. Contact us today.