On top of the devastating flooding that is impacting the Midwest throughout this spring, summer storms are leaving their mark across all of the Great Plains. This means tornadoes, high winds, hail, and of course, rain; lots and lots of rain.
With the ground being soft and the rivers being high, this brings a concern to many for more possible flooding across the Midwest. However, there are many things you can do to prepare for a flood, which is the most common natural disaster in the United States.
How to prepare for a flood
There are a few steps you can take in preparing for a flood. First, you should discuss and plan out what to do with your family incase of a flood. You should have a bag packed as well as a radio, or radio app on your phone.
There are also actions you can take to protect your home. If you live in a floodplain, it is smart to elevate your home. Raising your furnace, water heater, and electric panels to floors that are less likely to be flooded, however, you should always check with a professional first. Sealing cracks in your basement walls is also useful in preparing for flooding, and if flooding is expected, using sandbags to create a wall around your house is a great idea.
Lastly, it is important to have a working sump pump. A sump pump is installed underneath your basement or crawlspace, gathers excess water, and releases it out of the basement. A sump pump can be very useful year-round, and our Omaha Plumbers can answer any questions you may have about them.
What to do if you’re under a flood warning
If you are in a flood warning, and your community or area is affected, the best thing you and your family can do is take safe shelter right away. Depending on the situation, you may need to move to higher ground, or to a higher floor if you’re in a building, and if told to, you should evacuate. It is also important to stay off bridges, which can collapse if flood water levels rise too high.
How to stay safe during a flood
During a flood, it is important to stay in the safe location you are at. It is not safe to walk, swim, or drive during a flood, as one could drown. If you are in a building, you should go to the highest level. Only go to the roof if necessary. It is also important to not use electricity during a flood and be cautious of electrocution.
What to do after a flood
After a flood, it is still important to take precautions. You should evaluate your home for any visible structural damage. You should not turn on or touch any electric appliances if they were affected by the flood, which could lead to electrocution and/or fire. You should not turn on your air conditioning if it was affected by flooding.
To be safe after a flood, contact ServiceOne, and we can inspect your appliances and answer your question.
There are many steps and actions you can do to prepare for a flood. Use these tips to keep you, your family, and your home safe this summer from the most common natural disaster in the United States.