There is no way to halt a natural disaster or stop the floodwaters from rising in your home, but with a bit of advanced planning, homeowners can greatly lessen the damage they sustain:

Know your risk. Using a tool such as the FEMA Flood Map Tool will help you understand what your risks are relative to your location, so you can plan ahead better for all types of scenarios.

Turn off electricity. When it comes to electricity and water, it is better to be safe than to be sorry. Cut off power to all affected areas of the house to reduce the risk of electric shock.

Discuss emergency procedures. Ensure all members of the household understand how to cut off the electricity and locate emergency supplies if necessary.

Elevate valuables. Precious items or irreplaceable documents should be elevated and stored out of the way of the water. Considering a safety deposit box at a local bank might also be wise.

Anchor propane and fuel tanks. A tipped fuel tank can lead to water pollution or even fires if the conditions are right. Anchor fuel tanks solidly to your home or the ground in order to prevent them from getting swept away.

Keeping your home and family safe is most important in the event of a disaster. By taking advance precautions and understanding evacuation procedures ahead of time, homeowners can help to protect their home from extensive water damage and protect their family from danger as well.

If you’ve experienced water damage due to a flood or other causes, SERVPRO of North Huntington is Here to Help®. Our technicians are fully trained in water remediation, and our ²⁴⁄₇ Emergency Line means we’ll be there for you when you call.