The combo of thunderstorms and flooding is a spring-up recipe for tragedy. If early storms come down while the snow on the ground hasn’t melted yet, or when the ground remains frozen, the prospect of catastrophic floods increases. And because the weather is so unpredictable in spring, it’s vital to prepare for it beforehand. Follow these spring storm preparedness tips to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property from severe spring weather:
Before
- Produce a disaster preparedness plan. Establish an outside meeting place and escape routes from every room in your home. Additionally, practice the plan with relatives. Include your pets in the design and be sure they wear an ID tag.
- Get a flood insurance policy, which is not included in standard homeowners policies. Do not wait — flood insurance policies take 30 days to go into effect.
- Create a home stock in case you need to file an insurance claim. Additionally, secure vital information, such as documents, personal numbers, and insurance policies.
- Make certain your house is in great shape to withstand powerful storms. Tighten your roof tiles and waterproof your basement windows, and doorways.
- Prune the branches and remove the dead vegetation in your yard.
- Keep drains and gutters clean to ensure proper drainage. Make sure gutters are closely attached to your house to guard them against strong winds.
Create an emergency supply kit containing these items:
- Bottled water and non-perishable food for 3 to 5 days.
- A battery-powered flashlight and radio with spare batteries, as well as 2 or 1 external battery for mobile phones, etc.
- A “crank device” that produces current to power up mobile phones can be used as a flashlight, etc.
- Prescription drugs, if necessary.
- Blankets and warm clothing.
- Personal hygiene items (toilet paper, tissue, toothbrushes, and toothpaste)
During
- When a storm is imminent, deliver the valuables in your lawn inside and move all vehicles and equipment to high ground.
- Don’t walk through moving water. Just a couple of inches of rapidly moving water can sweep you off your feet.
- If you are outside, get to high ground and prevent low-lying areas that are most likely to flood.
- Don’t push floodwater even in case you’ve got a huge van. Two feet of water are sufficient to take it away.
- If you are inside, be sure that the windows and doors are securely shut. Stay away from windows to prevent the risk of being struck by the glass. Take shelter in your basement when the storm is severe.
- Prevent using utilities and wired electric equipment. Turn off utilities to mitigate potential damages in the event of a flood or other disasters.
- Stay current on weather conditions and listen to local governments should they tell you to evacuate your house.
After
Be conscious of potential dangers. If you suspect damage to utilities, then call local authorities and wait for their approval to turn them forth.
If your house was flooded:
- Prevent contact with floodwater, which is very probably contaminated.
- Make lists of those damaged or lost items, and take photos.
- File the flood insurance case.
- All flooding water is considered polluted. Thus, when you have water damage, any absorbent materials which are contaminated ought to be removed and lost (carpeting, rugs, upholstered furniture, etc.).
- Water harm has to be remediated properly and quickly. Otherwise, it will result in mold contamination, which presents another host of issues and issues.
- If you suspect harm to electric or gas lines, then call for a professional review prior to using them.
- Hire an expert water damage restoration company, such as PuroClean, to get your house back in order safely and economically.
Bear in mind, spring doesn’t wait for you to get ready, so make a spring storm preparedness strategy now in front of a thunderstorm or flooding that strikes your area. Telephone the PuroClean experts, who will determine the full extent of the damage and perform full restoration services after industry standards and best practices. Check out PuroClean services to learn more.