Floods are one of the most common and costly natural disasters in the United States. According to the National Flood Insurance Program, floods cause an average of $6 billion in damage each year.
While flood damage can be devastating, quick response is critical to minimizing the damage and beginning the restoration process. The sooner you can begin the restoration process, the better the chances of saving your home or business.
There are a few things you can do to minimize the damage:
* Move important items to higher ground: If you have time before the floodwaters arrive, move important items, such as electronics and important documents, to higher ground.
* Turn off utilities: If the floodwaters are about to enter your home or business, turn off utilities at the main switch. This will help prevent further damage.
* Disconnect appliances: Disconnect appliances and move them to higher ground if possible.
* Remove wet items: Once the floodwaters have receded, remove wet items from your home or business. These items can include carpeting, furniture, and drywall.
The faster you can respond to flood damage, the less damage your home or business will sustain. For more information on flood damage restoration, visit the FEMA website.
https://www.fema.gov/
https://www.floodsmart.gov/
https://www.ready.gov/floods