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How to Respond to a Flash Flood Situation | SERVPRO of Hayward
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Water damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Hayward on the case!
We are experiencing an interesting summer in terms of weather so far! We have had less rain and fewer storms than we typically do during this time of year, but the season certainly is not over.
Rain storms can either be calm and idyllic or strong and frankly a little scary. They can bring heavy rain, whipping winds, and even hail or the occasional tornado. While we are grateful that our homes are sturdy and do a great job of keeping us safe, sometimes it can prove to be too much and the rain will force its way inside our homes.
Our SERVPRO of Hayward team wants you to stay safe and dry if a storm comes to town, so check out our tips below to learn more about intense rains and flash floods.
We all appreciate a gentle rain from time to time, but flash flooding conditions are much different. If the rain starts to fall fast and furiously, our area can quickly become in danger of flooded roads and yards. This is especially true if you live near Hayward Lake or any of the connecting creeks.
While we cannot control what Mother Nature does, we can be prepared for it! Preparing in advance can help you avoid more serious damages and you can ensure the safety of your family.
Getting your home ready and getting your family to safety should always be your top priorities. Get out of the elements and head home as soon as a flood watch is issued or a strong storm is predicted.
Avoid low-lying areas or roads that you know happen to flood a lot when it rains. Tidy up your yard and consider moving things into your garage in case the water makes its way to your home. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet, and 12 inches can sweep away your car.
Move anything fragile or sentimental out of your basement and consider turning off the electricity down there just to be safe. Wait out the storm with your family on a higher level and don’t panic if the water starts flowing in. Just avoid walking through the water and wait for it to stop rushing into your home. The next best step is to call your friends at SERVPRO of Hayward for a full restoration.
We know that weather is by nature unpredictable, which is why you can’t completely plan for every scenario. However, you can learn something from every situation and that can help you plan for the future.
For example, if your basement always floods when it rains, it may be a good idea to consider getting it professionally graded. This process of moving dirt around your yard can help create better channels for the rain to flow down and away from your home instead of backwards into your foundation.
Another investment that will pay off in a big way is a sump pump. Sump pumps help keep your lowest level dry by kicking on when they sense excess water in the ground and it works by pulling the water away from your foundation and it pumps it back up to the surface.
Remember that we are always here when you need us. Our team is fully trained in water damage restoration and flooding issues, and we will work hard to help you overcome your situation as quickly and as efficiently as possible.
We are here for all of your water disasters. Contact us day or night for a quick recovery.