When a Spring or Summer Storm Strikes

6/30/2020 (Permalink)

Our Tips will help reduce the impact floods have on you and your property.

Spring and Summer showers may often lead to flooding conditions in the Dale City, Lake Ridge, Woodbridge, and Lorton areas of Virginia. The following tips will help reduce the impact floods have on you and your property.

Advance Preparation

Prepare in advance with a SERVPRO^® Emergency Ready Profile^® (ERP). Our convenient mobile app contains all your utility and emergency response information in one place, at the tip of your fingers.  You can access this information from either your smartphone or computer.

Watch for Pooling Water 

Look for areas around your property where water pools, and channel it away from buildings. Make certain gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and they are directing water as intended.

Maintain Sump Pump 

If you have a sump pump, check to be sure it is operational before water starts rising. Consider using a back-up generator to ensure your pump works when you need it most. Contact your insurance agent to add coverage in case you have a sump pump failure. 

Consider Flood Insurance 

Homeowners insurance will not cover floods; you must purchase a separate policy for flood protection. When all else fails, flood insurance will provide you the means to respond to a catastrophic flooding event.

Cut Power if Necessary 

As rising water approaches the level of electrical outlets, you risk having a live current flow through all the water. Cut the power if you can safely do so without standing in water. Otherwise, evacuate and contact an electrician to cut the power before you go back in for recovery.

Raise Storage Goods 

Use shelving and/or pallets to keep storage items off the floor to reduce the impact of small floods. In many situations, raising boxes just a few inches will be enough to keep storage goods above the water line. 

Keep Storm Drains Clear

If you see water pooling around a storm drain, the drain may be clogged with debris. Clearing the debris will help keep the water flowing away from your neighborhood.

Be Aware on the Road 

Be careful when driving during storms, especially when you hear flash flood warnings. Never drive into a fully submerged roadway. The water surface will be at the same level as the pavement you can see. This view can deceive you into thinking the water is shallow because you cannot see how the road dips under the surface. 

Act Fast 

When a flood happens, you need to act as quickly as possible to dry out any wet items, particularly structural materials like walls and flooring. Call our team at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lortonto begin the water mitigation process. Our franchise professionals are always here to help and have the training and experience to make flood damage “Like it never even happened.”