Be Flood Smart

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

Do you know how much water it takes to move a car, or knock a person off their feet?

Southern California is not known for flooding. But just because you have not experienced a flood or live in an area that is at risk doesn't necessarily mean that you never will. The lack of rain in Southern California actually increases the risk of flooding. According to Floodsmart.gov/ “more than 20% of flood insurance claims come from people outside of mapped high-risk flood areas.” 

On average, floods cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the United States alone! A 2,000 square foot home that has experienced 12 feet of water damage could cost more than $50,000 to repair. So what can you do to protect yourself and your home from flood damage?

Know your area 

Again, just because you do not live in a high-risk area for flooding does not mean that you will not experience flooding during heavy rains. However, it would benefit you to know whether or not you reside in a high-risk area as this will have an impact on your mortgage and homeowners insurance. 

Safety Tips

• Stay away from floodwaters. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off your feet. Do not try to enter or cross a flowing stream of water that is above your ankles. Either stay where you are or try to find another way.
• If you are driving and come to a flooded road, turn around and go another way – do not try to cross! Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water. If you get stuck in rapidly rising water, stop the car, get out and move to higher ground if possible.
• Keep children out of the water. They are curious and can be tempted to play in the it. It’s not just the risk of being swept away but also getting ill from contaminates within the water itself.
• Always have emergency kits prepared in the house, as well as one in each vehicle, that do not contain perishable food items. Also have three gallons of water per person, a battery operated or hand-cranked radio, extra batteries, and personal hygiene and first aid necessities.

Be prepared with an ERP

SERVPRO of East Riverside City would love to help you minimize damage to your office or business with an Emergency READY Profile or ERP. This comprehensive document contains critical information about your business including emergency contacts, shut-off valve locations and priority areas. The ERP minimizes business interruption by having an immediate plan of action in place for your specific facility. Call SERVPRO of East Riverside City to set up an appointment so you can develop an Emergency READY Profile before you need one.