Tips for Spring Flooding

3/13/2017 (Permalink)

Residential Flooding Damage

Chicago is famous for heavy snows and bitter cold temperatures during the winter.  Melting snow and thawing pipes in the spring, on top of heavy spring rains often leads to floods and water damage.   These safety tips can help reduce damage and avoid dangerous situations before, during and after the spring thaw. 

Before a Flood:

*Prepare in advance by ask your SERVPRO Rep about completing an FREE Emergency Ready Profile® (ERP) for your business.  It will help you respond quickly to an emergency and minimize downtime due to water damage.  The ERP is available on a mobile app on your smartphone, tablet or computer and will allow you to access your utility and emergency contacts at any time from any location. 

*Check your sump pump to ensure it is working properly before water begins to rise.   Having a back-up generator will help ensure you’re your pump is working when you may need it.  Double check with your insurance agent to make sure your sump pump is covered.

*Protect important items/papers by putting them in plastic totes and raising them off the floor of your home/business.  In most cases, ensuring that boxes are at least a few inches off the floor with keep them above the water line from a flood.

During a Flood:

*Watch for water collecting by monitoring areas where water might collect and attempt to direct it away from buildings.

*Monitor power sources and outlets as water levels rise, so you don’t risk a shock from a live current flowing through water.   If you can cut the power to endangered outlets and power sources without standing in water, flip the switch.  If not, contact an electrician immediately and evacuate the area.  DO NOT ENTER STANDING WATER!

*Clearing storm drains prior to a thaw will help water flow away from your property and reduce water backing into the building.

*Flood insurance should be considered, especially in high-risk flooding or low lying areas near rivers and streams.  Most insurance policies do not cover flooding, and require a separate policy. 

*Watch the road during spring storms, especially during flash flood warnings.  NEVER drive on roadways that are submerged under water. 

After a Flood:

*Fast action will reduce danger risks and lessen damage to your property.  When a flood happens, you need to dry out wet items including walls and flooring to lessen damage. Contact SERVPRO® of Matteson-Homewood, Chicago Heights-Crete-Beecher, and Kankakee County at 815-935-0077 to extract water and mitigate any mold growth. Our franchise professionals have the training and experience to make flood damage “Like it never even happened.”

Contact us 24 hours a day at 815-935-0077!