6 Facts About Floods (Part 2: Staying Safe in a Flood)

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

Evacuating from a flood poses many risks. Learn the facts about floodwater and stay safe!

Part 1 of this article explained how floods can happen in unexpected locations and circumstances. That’s why even if you’re not in a designated flood zone, you should always be prepared to survive a flood or other natural disaster: plan an evacuation strategy and have an emergency kit ready, including a supply of shelf-stable food.

In this part of the article, learn about the potential dangers of venturing out into floodwaters.

Fact #4: Evacuating your home brings new risks.

If you can avoid it, try not to leave your home during a flood, because walking or driving through floodwaters poses additional hazards (as described below). If you remain in your home and the floodwater begins to rise inside, you should immediately move to a higher level of your house. Avoid sheltering in a part of your house where you could become trapped, however, such as in an attic. Your last option is to climb onto your roof and wait or call for help.

Fact #5: It’s dangerous to drive through floodwaters.

Floodwater is often deeper than it appears. Surprisingly, your car can begin to float in only 12 inches of floodwater, putting it at risk of being swept into a current. Another risk is that of stalling out and being trapped in your vehicle, surrounded by water. Even if you are able to negotiate the floodwater in your car, know that the water hides multiple hazards, such as washed-out pavement, debris that could damage your tires or undercarriage, and downed electrical wires that pose a risk of electrocution.

Fact #6: It’s dangerous to walk through floodwaters.

Many of the risks of driving through water also apply to walking through floodwaters. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock you over! In addition to the risk of coming into contact with sharp debris and live electrical wires, you must also protect against the sewage and chemical contamination that is often found in floodwater. If you absolutely must walk through floodwater, wear protective gear such as rubber boots and gloves.

Bonus Fact: SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield can help you recover from a flood by restoring your property and possessions to their pre-water damaged condition.

If your home or business suffers damage from a flood, windstorm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield today at 860.649.0836

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The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage remediation, fire restoration services and chemical cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) any time.

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If your home or business suffers damage from a flood, windstorm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield today at 860.649.0836