SERVPRO Tips - What To Do If Floods Occur

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

Following a flood should you be in need of service call SERVPRO of North Calhoun, 269-963-3033. We are always here to help.

Flooding is a temporary overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry. Flooding may happen with only a few inches of water, or it may cover a house to the rooftop. There are many possible causes of floods including heavy rain or snow melt, coastal storms and storm surge, waterway overflow from being blocked with debris or ice, or overflow of levees, dams, or waste water systems, Flooding can occur slowly over many days or happen very quickly with little or no warning, called flash floods.

Flooding can occur during every season, but some areas of the country are at greater risk at certain times of the year. Coastal areas are at greater risk for flooding during hurricane season, while the Midwest is more at risk in the spring and during heavy summer rains. Ice jams occur in the spring in the Northeast and Northwest. 

Safety Tips

Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.

Do not drive over bridges that are over fast-moving floodwaters. Floodwaters can scour foundation material from around the footings and make the bridge unstable.

Just six inches of moving water can knock you down.

If there is a chance of flash flooding, immediately move to higher ground.  One foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. If water appears rapid and moving do not leave the car and enter moving water.

Once the floodwaters recede, if your home or business has sustained any flood damage contact SERVPRO of North Calhoun at (269)-963-3033.