Measures to be Taken During Floods and Water Damage
Floods can cause lots of damage which is why you must keep yourself prepared to deal with them when the disaster strikes. If you live in a floodplain, it is better to take measures beforehand to minimize life and property damages. Floods and storm water can wreak some major damage to your home. Most people don’t know it, but majorly, insurance policies don’t cover water damages caused by hurricanes, storms, and other natural disasters. People usually think that floods only hit during monsoon, but it is a very wrong notion; floods can wreak havoc anytime for various reasons. Below are some important dos and don’ts you must remember during floods to prevent the damages as much as possible.
1. Check the Sump Pump Regularly
If you get the warning of a flood in your area, you should first check your sump pump. Start with cleaning the sump pump and pit, and after that, test the pit by pouring some water into it. Ensure that the discharge hose of your pump is delivering water away from the house to an area that slopes downwards. However, if the discharge hose is close to the foundation of your home, water can recirculate down through your home’s drain tiles. Do not send water from a sump pump to a septic system in the countryside, as water may overflow the drainage field. Supplying water from a sump pump to a sanitary system in a city can overload the system and cause wastewater to back up. In emergency cause if sanitary system get worse then it’s better to call restoration Company.
2. Shift to a Higher Ground
Once the flood warning reaches the maximum level, you should shift to higher grounds. You must start the shifting process by securing important items such as essential family photo albums, tax return files, insurance policies, and household items. Bring them out of the shelves and keep them secured in a file or a box. Paints, oils, cleaning products, and other hazardous materials should be shifted to a high place as well. If you have pets, find a pet shelter home for them to avoid any inconvenience.
3. Gather Supplies before Evacuation
Before evacuating the house, you must assemble all the necessities in one place so that you don’t face many difficulties during your stay at the shelter house. Keep food items, along with paper plates, cups, and plastic utensils, as shelter homes don’t have utensils. Gather extra clothing and shoes, blankets or sleeping bags, a first aid kit, and prescribed medicines. Furthermore, you should keep your cash, credit cards, and important phone numbers with you all the time in the case of an emergency. It is better to keep food items that don’t need to be kept in a refrigerator.
4. Anchoring Fuel Tanks and Outdoor Units
Fuel tanks can overturn or float in water streams, causing fuel leaks or fires. Cleaning a house flooded with oil can be very difficult and expensive. Therefore, the fuel tank must be anchored above the flood level at times of flood. Ensure vent and inlet openings are higher than expected flood levels. If you have a propane tank with you that is the property of a propane company, you may need to write permission to obtain it or ask if the company can do it.
5. Block the Basement Drains with Removable Grid in Case of Backflow
If you think that backflow can occur, install a drain plug that you can easily get from hardware stores. If a standard plug isn’t available at the market, a flexible rubber ball having an inner diameter of approximately 1/4 of the pipe can be inserted into the drain. This will create an air seal for you.
6. Cover the Floor Drains with Permanent Grids
An inner tube must be placed around the drains and covered with plywood, but ensure that the tube is partially filled with air. The plywood diameter must be greater than the tube so that it can be covered properly. Secure in place in the same way as for drains, but you should be prepared for a slight leak.
7. Reduce Overflow Into Other Drains
Unscrew the toilet seat from the floor and plug the drainpipe with the same steps used for the floor drains. You can also drown the shower drain in the same way. Most washing machines and basement sinks have drains about 3 feet above the floor to prevent water overflow. If needed, you can disconnect these drains and close or plug them with a conventional plug with a spacer or rubber ball.
8. Protect Appliances
All the major appliances should be protected on a priority basis during floods. Turn them off using a fuse box or switch panel. Place freezers, washers, dryers on a wooden or cement block so that the motor is above the water surface. If it is impossible to move large equipment due to the upcoming flood, wrap it in plastic wrap and tie with a string or rope. Water will still get in, but it will be easier to clean.
9. Turn off Electricity
If water reaches the electrical outlets, electric motors running in ovens, freezers, washing machines, dryers, and other appliances, it will increase the risk of electric shock. Therefore, turn off the electrical switch or remove the fuse before the flood hits. In case of flooded basements, turn off the electrical switch without entering the water. If needed, use a dry piece of wood, plastic, or rubber rod to switch off the appliances. You can also stand on a piece of wood or plastic box. If a flood approaches your incoming electricity box, contact your power company to de-energize your home. If your floor is damp but not flooded, a ground fault circuit breaker can reduce the risk of electric shocks.
Make sure to follow all the preventive measures shared above to reduce the damages when the flood hits your area. If you do not take these necessary precautions, you may face the risk of severe life and property damages, so it is better to be safe than sorry.