3 Things Not To Do After a Flood

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

Deal with flood water properly.

Floods can pose serious risks to people and property. When dealing with flood water, it is important to avoid common mistakes that can put your safety at risk or lead to unnecessary damage to your property. These are three things you should not do after a flood.

3 Things to Avoid After a Flood

1. Try To Be a Hero

If you know a flood is imminent, or you have been ordered to evacuate by authorities, do not try to save your flooded home. While some actions, such as placing sandbags, may protect your home from minor flooding, there isn't much you can do to save your home from a major flood. Staying in your home puts you and anyone who has to come to rescue it at risk. It is better to evacuate to a shelter, or rent a hotel room or stay with friends or family in an area not affected by the flood.

2. Walk or Drive Through Standing Water

It is best to avoid walking or driving into flood water. As little as six inches of water can create problems for drivers. Additionally, standing water from floods may contain contaminants from sewage or be electrically charged due to downed power lines. If you do need to walk through water, wear rubber boots to protect yourself from shocks.

3. Allow Your Property To Stay Wet

You shouldn't attempt to return to your home before you've been told that it is safe, but as soon as you get the go-ahead you should begin efforts to dry out your property. You may want to contact a water damage remediation company in Bountiful, UT, to dry out your home quickly. The longer your property remains wet, the higher the chance of problems such as mold, mildew and rot is to occur.

Flooding can create havoc in your home. Dealing with flood water properly can help ensure your family stays safe and your home sustains as little damage as possible.