SERVPRO of Lake Travis/NW Austin offers water damage tips to people who live near water

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

Here to Help

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Lake Travis/NW Austin provides water damage advice for homeowners who live in areas prone to flooding.

SERVPRO of Lake Travis/NW Austin understands the stress and worry that accompanies fire or water damage and the disruption it causes. The goal is to help minimize the interruption to the client’s life and quickly make it “Like it never even happened.”

Lake Travis is no stranger to flooding. Swiftly rising floodwaters crested over twenty feet above capacity in a massive 2018 flood that is etched in the mind of the community. Some homes were completely submerged; other homes were untouched by the floodwaters. Years after the flooding, some victims are still recovering emotionally and financially. The outpouring of assistance from the community is a testimony of the compassion and grit of neighbors, friends, and strangers who truly care about people.

Here are seven water damage tips for homeowners who live in or near a flood plain where their homes or businesses are susceptible to flood damage.

• Know the flood history of the neighborhood and surrounding area.

Understanding the flood history of the area can help homeowners know how to prepare and when conditions are such that precautions should be taken. In the case of the 2018 flood on Lake Travis, one account reported that the floodwaters rose over twenty feet in a twenty-four-hour period due to very heavy rains upstream. Residents familiar with the area were able to take pre-emptive measures to protect their property. One homeowner was able to remove all his belongings in the nick of time with the help of friends and neighbors. Later, he visited his home in a boat only to find the entire house underwater, including the chimney.

• Have a flood action plan for the home.

Having a flood ready plan in place before the emergency is crucial. Many residents in the flood plain of Lake Travis during the 2018 flood had only a few hours or less to prepare for the rising waters. Some important considerations in a flood survival plan include:

• First aid kit with ample supplies
• LED flashlights and a good supply of batteries
• Battery or solar-powered radio
• Non-perishable food supply
• Important documents in sealed waterproof bags or containers
• A central meeting location should the family become separated
• Important devices such as cell phones, tablets, laptops
• Important valuables that should not be left behind in the case of a flood

More extensive information about flood preparation is available online.

• Keep an eye on the weather.

If the local area has a history of being affected by flash flooding, know when weather conditions are threatening and take the necessary precautions to protect life, property, pets, and livestock. While the Austin area has never been hit by a hurricane, the remnants of hurricanes have affected the weather.

• Take immediate action when water damage is imminent.

Action steps include:

• Move furniture and other items upstairs. If household belongings do get wet, elevate the legs off the floor with blocks or other materials if possible. The goal is to place a barrier between the furniture and the water.
• Take as many important belongings as possible and evacuate the structure while there is still time to safely travel roads.
• When fleeing floodwaters, remember that a vehicle can be washed off the road by only a few inches of swiftly flowing water.

Remember, belongings can be dried, sanitized, and restored in many cases. What cannot be restored usually can be replaced.

• Return only when it is safe.

Wait until the authorities give official permission before returning home. More floodwaters could be on the way from upstream thunderstorms. Residents could become trapped if the rising waters cut off roads. When returning, be very careful driving on roads. Watch out for potholes and washouts.

• Be careful when entering the home or other structures.

Caution should be observed when re-entering a home after severe flooding. The house may be structurally unsound. Water-logged flooring may give way underfoot, and ceilings may collapse when probed by the homeowner. If more than a day or two has elapsed since the flooding, there may be mold and mildew growth, causing health effects. Snakes, rodents, raccoons, and other wildlife may have sought refuge in the vacant home during and after the flood.

Be aware of the possibility of electrocution if power is available in the home. Standing water poses both a slip-and-fall hazard and an electrical hazard. Electrocution can occur in a flooded basement, even if the power is off. If a neighbor is using a generator in an unsafe manner, the electricity can flow back into the power grid and shock other people in other homes. Central Texas, including the Austin area, boasts relatively few basements. However, the number of basements in the area is sufficient to justify cautioning homeowners who have basements not to enter a flooded basement until the power is completely and safely off.

• Call in a water damage restoration specialist as soon as possible.

Promptly beginning the water damage restoration process helps prevent advanced secondary damage, which may include structural damage and mold infestation. When facing water and flood damage in Lake Travis and the greater Austin area, the best and safest course of action is to call in the water and flood damage specialists from SERVPRO of Lake Travis/NW Austin. Knowledgeable and experienced technicians will thoroughly inspect and assess the damage and provide a free estimate of the restoration and repair project. The staff will walk clients through the insurance claims process from the very start of the project. Flood damage mitigation requires training, experience, advanced technology, and commercial-grade equipment, along with the required protective gear to assure the safety of the technicians.

SERVPRO of Lake Travis/NW Austin specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after fire, smoke, or water damage. Mold and mildew mitigation is also on the menu of services. No damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of Lake Travis/NW Austin.

For more information about water and flood damage restoration, contact the office by phone at (512) 318-2202.