What To Do During A Flood Warning

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

"Turn around, don't drown" - Do not drive your car in flooded waters. If you car fills with water, take refuge on the top of your car.

A flood warning is indicative that a flood is imminent or a flood is occurring. There are certain actions and precautions you should take in order to ensure the utmost safety of everyone in your family and your home. 

During the Flood Warning

• Move to higher ground immediately and listen for updates from public safety officials and flooding information from the media. Evacuate if told to do so.
• Take only essential items with you and pets if safe.
• "Turn around, don't drown" is a phrase to keep in mind. Do not drive through a flooded road; water levels above 2 feet. Cars can easily get swept away through rapidly moving water in only 2 feet deep of water levels. Also do not walk through flowing water as you can easily get swept away through rapidly flowing water.
• If you are stuck in a vehicle in rapidly moving water, stay in the vehicle and water gets into the vehicle, relocate to the top of the vehicle. Do not drive around barrier and blockades as they are blocked off for safety reasons.
• If you are currently sheltered, be sure listen in on weather updates and the signal to evacuate your home.

After The Flood

• Stay on top of emergency updates and follow instructions from public safety officials
• Return to your home only when instructed to so
• Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies; down powered lines and gas leaks. Call 2-1-1 to obtain important disaster information
• Check on family, friends, neighbors, and other peers.
• Stay away from downed wires.
• Remember "Turn around, don't drown".
• Stay out of damaged buildings and affected roads and areas. 
• Report power outages.
• Careful where you step as there may be sharp objects and debris on the floor from the flood.
• Don't drink out of your water supply until it is confirmed safe by public safety officials and throw away all food that has been in contact with flood waters. Check on the quality of refrigerated foods.
• Check your home for damages. Have a restoration company check on your home for water damages and structural integrity and have electricians come check on electrical appliances and supplies. Do not do these actions yourself!
• Repair damaged septic tanks and leaching systems. 
• Take evidence of water damaged goods and areas to document for insurance.

SERVPRO of Monterey Park can take care of flood affected and water damaged areas. After flooding you might have water damaged drywall and flooring. Water damaged carpeting and upholstered furniture may also need cleaning and restoring.