Spring Time Storms Are Here! Are You Prepared?

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

The combination of thunderstorms and flooding is spring’s recipe for disaster. And because the weather is so unpredictable in spring, it’s important to prepare for it ahead of time. Here’s how to protect yourself, your family, and your property from severe spring weather:

Before a Storm

• Create a disaster preparedness plan. Establish an outside meeting place and escape routes from each room in your house. Practice the plan with family members. Include your pets in the plan and make sure they wear an ID tag.
• Make sure you and your family know how to turn off utilities and how to use a fire extinguisher.
• Create an emergency supply kit.
• Get flood insurance, which is not included in standard homeowners policies. Don’t wait – flood insurance policies take 30 days to go into effect.
• Make a home inventory in case you need to file an insurance claim. Also, secure important information, such as documents, personal numbers, and insurance policies.
• Make sure your home is in good shape to withstand powerful storms. Tighten your roof shingles and waterproof your basement, windows, and doors.
• Prune the loose branches and remove the dead vegetation in your yard.
• Keep drains and gutters clean to ensure proper drainage. Make sure gutters are tightly attached to your house to guard them against strong winds.

During a Storm

• When a storm is imminent, bring the valuables in your yard inside and move all vehicles and equipment to high ground.
• Don’t walk through moving water. Just a few inches of rapidly moving water can sweep you off your feet.
• If you’re outside, get to higher ground and avoid low lying areas that are likely to flood.
• Don’t drive through floodwater even if you have a large van. Two feet of moving water are enough to take it away.
• If you’re inside, make sure the doors and windows are securely shut. Stay away from windows to avoid the risk of getting struck by shattered glass. Take shelter in your basement if the storm is severe.
• Avoid using utilities and wired electrical equipment. Turn off utilities to mitigate potential damages in case of flooding or other disasters.
• Stay up to date on weather conditions and listen to local authorities if they tell you to evacuate your home.

After a Storm:

• Ensure everyone is OK and check for damage to your home. Be aware of potential hazards.
• If you suspect damage to utilities, call local authorities and wait for their approval to turn them back on.
• If your home has been flooded:
  
  • Avoid contact with floodwater, which is very likely contaminated.
  • Make lists of the damaged or lost items, and take photos.
  • File the flood insurance claim.
  • Hire a professional damage restoration company, such as SERVPRO of South Elkhart County, to get your home back in order safely and efficiently.

Remember, spring doesn’t wait for you to get ready, so make a plan and act now before a thunderstorm or flood strikes your area. For emergency flood repair or mold removal services, call SERVPRO of South Elkhart County