Floods are the most common natural disaster in North America and can occur just about anywhere. Sources of flooding include rain, snowmelt, coastal storms, ocean swells, overflowing dams, broken levees, and more. Floods can happen any time of year, but melting snow and heavy rains in the spring make March a particularly common month for flooding. Here’s what you need to know to keep your home and family safe.

Prepare for a Flood Today

• Learn the flood risks for your area and purchase a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio to remain informed of emergency alerts.
• Learn the evacuation routes in your city.
• Create a family disaster plan and assemble an emergency survival kit.
• Store important documents in waterproof bins or bags. Store digital, password-protected copies on an external hard drive.
• Raise your furnace off the floor to prevent damage or electrocution if a few inches of water enter your home.
• Avoid storing valuable or meaningful belongings in the basement, the area most prone to flooding.
• Purchase flood insurance or renew your existing coverage. (Homeowner’s insurance doesn’t always cover flood damage.)

Survive During a Flood

• Decide how to protect yourself best based on the situation, which might include moving to higher ground or evacuating if told to do so. Listen to your NOAA Weather Radio to help you make the best decision.
• Follow instructions about turning off your gas or electricity to help prevent electrocution, fire, or an explosion.
• Don’t wade, swim, or drive through floodwater. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet, and one foot of flowing water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Don’t drive through barricades or cross bridges over fast-moving water.
• If you’re trapped in your car, stay inside. If water starts rising into the vehicle, climb out the window and get on the roof.
• If you’re trapped in a building, seek refuge on the highest floor. Don’t enter an enclosed attic. Only go onto the roof if necessary, where you can then signal for help.

Recover After a Flood

• Listen for instructions from local authorities. Only return home when you’re told it’s safe to do so.
• Avoid standing in floodwater, which could hide sharp objects, aggressive animals, dangerous chemicals, or human waste.
• Beware of possible electrocution. Don’t touch the electrical panel while standing in water and keep away from electronics that appear wet.
• Only use a generator, grill, or other fuel-powered equipment outside and away from windows and doors.
• Begin the flood cleanup You’ll experience the safest, fastest, and best outcome if you leave the job to a professional restoration company.

If you need help restoring your home after a flood, please call DKI Services today. We clean up floodwater, shattered glass, tree damage, and much more. With these services, our storm damage repair team aims to get your home back to its pre-flood condition.