How Can I Be Properly Prepared For A Flood?

Being prepared for a flood can make the difference between sustaining minor water damage and sustaining severe water damage. Fortunately, there are a few very simple steps you can take to mitigate the damage from a flood. Here are a few of those steps as recommended by our cleaning and restoration experts at Dixie Dry in Chesterfield County.

Raise Electrical Components

Ideally, electrical sockets, switches, and wiring should be elevated at least one foot above the predicted flood levels. Doing this limits the amount of damage that a flood can cause to your electrical systems. It also makes your home less likely to become an electrical hazard after a flood. In many cases, however, we understand that it is impractical to raise built-in elements of a home like electrical sockets. In these cases, simply do your best to remain safe and protect your electrical components. 

Waterproof The Basement

Waterproofing your basement typically requires a large sum of money, but this investment pays off if you live in an area that is frequently flooded. Consider the long-term costs and benefits of doing this to determine if it is the right choice for you. Just think, water damage cleanup in Cheraw is expensive and even if waterproofing your basement saved you from only one flood, that may make the investment totally worth it. Along with waterproofing, set up a sump pump in the basement and a battery-operated backup in case the power goes out during the flood. 

Pay Attention To Flood Alerts

Flood alerts can give you the crucial notice you need to prepare your home for a flood before it strikes. Although not all flood alerts may culminate in your home being flooded, it is still best to be cautious. Act as if a flood is coming if you receive a flood alert. It is better to be overprepared than underprepared. 

Move Valuables to Higher Ground

If you have good reason to think that a flood may be coming soon (like receiving a flood alert), you should take time to move your valuables to higher ground so they will be safe if your home does flood. Among the items you move to high ground, you should move important documents like birth certificates, passports, insurance policies and so on as they will quickly be ruined by a flood. 

Know A Cleaning And Restoration Contractor To Call

If a flood comes, the last thing you should be worrying about is getting quotes from different cleaning and restoration companies and trying to sort out which one is best for you. Instead, you would be better off to know which cleaning and restoration company you would like to use so you know exactly who to call if a flood comes. We hope you consider our team of professional restoration contractors at Dixie Dry in Chesterfield County. Don’t hesitate to give us a call if your home has water damage of any sort so we can help you sort through the damage and restore your home back to normal.