Flooding Information and Safety

11/9/2017 (Permalink)

Here we discuss some information regarding flooding. Flooding is as common as it is dangerous. The more you know the better! While flooding can occur anywhere, those living near bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, or oceans should take extra precautions to ensure that in the event of a flood they are well prepared.

What is a flood?

Flooding is the overflowing of water onto a space that is normally dry. Flooding can vary from only a few inches to water levels rising to the height of an entire home!  Rain, snowmelt, costal storms, and waterway overflow can all be causes of flooding. While some floods occur over an extended period of time they can also occur quite rapidly in which case they are flash floods.

Basic Safety Tips:

• Turn around, don’t drown!
• Avoid traveling through flood waters
• Stay off bridges over fast moving water
• It only takes 6 inches of water to knock you down!
• 12 inches of water will sweep your car away
• Seek higher ground
• Pay attention to flood watches
• Have a plan in case of emergency

After a flood:

After a flood you may want to return home immediately but refrain as it is important for authorities to give the okay first. When returning home, always be sure to look out for debris and erosion on the road. Beware of standing water as it could be holding and electrical charge from down or underground power lines. It will also be a good idea to take photographs for insurance purposes. As always, in the event that a flood occurs rest assured that SERVPRO of Garden City/Hempstead is here to help 24/7!!!