What to do about flood damage

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

Although other disasters might first come to mind when you think of destruction and
damage, such as tornadoes or fire storms, flooding is in fact the most common and deadly
weather-related disaster. According to the National Weather Service, flash floods kill the most
amount of people per year compared to other disasters. Even if you take safety precautions,
evacuate the area, and shelter in secure location, your home can still suffer from immense
damage. There are a few precautions that you can take to protect yourself.
- Check if you live in a high-risk area. If you do, consider getting flood insurance to protect
yourself. Flood damage can be incredibly costly, and it might be worth it depending on
your level of risk.
- Keep all important documents, such as IDs, insurance forms, and certificates in a water-
proof storage area.
- Keep electrical devices at least one foot above where a flood might rise. This includes
sockets, furnaces, water heaters, and other electrical devices.
- If necessary, look into ways to adjust your home, either by making it “wet-proof” or
raised on piers. This can be incredibly expensive and should only be a last resort.
If your home or property suffers water damage from flooding, don’t hesitate to call us at SERVPRO
of Northbrook / Wheeling / Glencoe, (847) 498-8889. We’re available for emergency services 24
hours a day, seven days a week.