How To Stay Safe During a Flood

4/29/2019 (Permalink)

24 - Hour Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Prepare a portable flood kit in your Piatt/Dewitt Counties property

Flooding poses risks to residents of Piatt/Dewitt Counties, as well as first responders. The following flood safety guidelines are helpful when preparing for flood conditions.

Follow Evacuation Orders

Residents should stay apprised of flooding risks and prepare to evacuate as soon as an order is issued. Plan ahead by assembling a portable flood preparedness kit that includes the following items:

• First aid kit 
• Non-perishable food
• Water
• Flashlights and batteries
• Sleeping bags
• Jumper cables
• Flares
  

If a homeowner plans to stay at home, he or she should gather most of these items and store a home preparedness kit above the anticipated flood level. Stock up on enough food and potable water for several days.

Protect Yourself

Flood water may contain chemicals, heavy metals, and pathogens. People should avoid drinking or making direct contact with this water. One of the most essential flood safety measures involves exercising caution near moving water. A person can easily lose his or her footing in six inches of moving water and vehicles may float in 12 inches of water. 

Tips for First Responders

First responders should take additional precautions. Here are three of the best safety tips:

• Avoid electrical components
• Get immunized
• Wear personal protective equipment
  

Responders can reduce electrocution risks by avoiding downed power lines and making sure that the electricity has been shut off in any flooded structures they enter. Exposure to disease is another preventable risk. The Center for Disease Control recommends a tetanus booster for all disaster relief workers and the Hepatitis B vaccine for medical care providers. Relief workers should wear insulated and watertight electrical hazard boots, hip waders, waterproof work gloves, and eye protection. Respirators may also be necessary.

These flood safety suggestions can help to keep residents and first responders safe. Homeowners should contact a damage mitigation and restoration company if flood waters breach residences located in Piatt/Dewitt Counties.

Contact SERVPRO of Piatt/Dewitt Counties for all your storm damage needs. Reach us anytime day or night at (217)935-2992.