While they are common, floods can be one of the most damaging types of natural disasters. Due to the significant number of sources, they can happen anywhere throughout the U.S particularly after the following:

• Thawing snow
  

  Floods can be caused from a number of sources, including heavy rain.

• Hurricane
• Monsoon
• Several days of rain

Preparing for Flood Season

Flooding can occur at any time, but spring is the most common season due to frequent showers and melting snow. Preventing a flood from occurring is just about impossible, but limiting the damage it causes to your building materials and belongings is something you can control.

As long as the flood has not occurred already, follow these steps to prevent as much damage as possible during an emergency:

• Consider adding flood insurance to your homeowners insurance plan.
• Watch for flood warnings and alerts on your phone, TV, or radio.
• Be aware of the risk of flooding in your area.
  

  Follow as many of these preparation tips to limit as much damage as possible during flood season.

• Create and memorize a flood evacuation plan that includes all pets.
• Create a flood preparation kit that includes at least 3 days of food and water, batteries, a flashlight, first aid kit, and cash.

Flash Flooding

Flash floods are nothing to be taken lightly. They can occur within seconds from growing water levels in a river, stream, or ditch. Be sure to stay alert and follow the steps below as soon as you receive a flash flood warning.

Getting Help After a Flood

If you have already suffered through a flood, never panic. Here are 10 tips on what to do after sustaining flood damage. But the most important step is to call a flood cleanup professional to have your property restored right away. If not, the water can spread throughout the building materials, resulting in increased costs and repairs in the long run.

Flood Watch and Flood Warning: What’s the Difference?

Knowing the difference between a flood watch and flood warning is crucial towards preventing or limiting as much damage as possible during an emergency. The following explains the difference between flood watches and flood warnings:

• Flash flood watch: Flooding is possible.
• Flash flood warning: Flooding is occurring and/or is coming to your area. Proceed to follow the steps below.

What to Do During a Flood Watch

Check out these steps on how to properly prepare during a flood watch:

• Review your emergency evacuation plan that includes all pets.
• Know where to find higher ground as quickly as possible on foot.
• Listen to the TV or radio to get the latest weather updates and emergency preparation instructions.
• Keep the numbers of your insurance and flood cleanup company on hand.
• Prepare or restock your emergency flood kit that includes batteries, a flashlight, cash, a first aid kit, and 3 days of food and water.

Flood Watch: Preparing the Home

• Move all outdoor furniture inside, such as in the garage, shed, or first floor.
  

  Always keep a flood preparation tool kit ready in case of emergencies.

• Move any important items on the first floor to the highest floor, such as to the attic or upstairs bedrooms.
• Disconnect all appliances and electronics. Do not touch any of this equipment if there is standing water on the property.
• If required, turn off the power and gas to the property to prevent electrical fires or explosions.

What to Do During a Flood Warning

When a flood warning is issued, be sure to take these steps, as it means a flood is already happening or will happen shortly:

• Evacuate if instructed to do so.
  

  Always be prepared to evacuate during a flood warning.

• Never walk or drive through floodwaters. You never know what kind of contaminants may be floating around. Also know that even 6 inches of water is enough to knock anyone down.
• Find a local emergency shelter.
• Bring all companion animals, such as dogs, cats, ferrets, birds, etc. inside. Include all of their documentation with important records.
• If you have livestock, move them to higher ground or inside a barn.

When the Flood Has Already Occurred

• Only return home when the authorities say it is safe to do so.
• If the roads are still flooded, do not drive or wade in standing water.
• If the roads are not flooded, be careful of debris and erosion from the water.
• Take pictures of all damage done to the property to provide to your insurance company.

When it comes to flooding, especially flash floods, nothing is more important than protecting the safety of everyone involved. That’s why these steps are crucial when taking the proper precautions during emergencies.

Emergency Water Extraction

The second most important step is to address the damage to your property. Call your insurance company right away to inform them of what has happened. Then call an emergency flood restoration company.

Restoration professionals provide more than just water damage cleanup; technicians are available 24/7 to help homes and businesses recover from flood-related disasters, responding right away to address the damage. Whether the home or building needs complete reconstruction services, dehumidification, mold removal or remediation, their technicians will work efficiently and effectively to restore full peace of mind. Don’t hesitate to give them a call in the event of any property crisis.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.