What to Do After a Flood | SERVPRO® of Lake Travis/NW Austin

5/19/2023 (Permalink)

Flooding can happen in an instant. When disaster strikes, call SERVPRO of Lake Travis/NW Austin to get your home and business back in order.

If you haven’t witnessed or experienced flooding at your home or business, chances are that you know someone who has. That’s because flash flooding situations are one of the biggest threats to the Austin area.

In fact, Austin is located in the heart of “Flash Flood Alley,” which is one of the most flood-prone areas in the entire country.

If you experience flooding on your property this year, taking action quickly is vital to reducing the extent of your damages. We offer some tips on how to react more effectively in the aftermath of a flood below.

Protect Yourself and Your Family

If a flash flood warning is issued for our area, take it seriously. It may just look like flowing water, but it can be dangerous.

Even just six inches of water is enough to knock someone off of their feet. Stay away from flooded roads and areas, and don’t go near any creeks or drainage areas.

Start preparing your home before the water even starts flowing in. Turn off your electricity if possible and move anything of value or importance off of the lowest level. Secure outdoor furniture, and tie down propane tanks if you can. If the water enters your home, seek higher ground and stay there until the water levels start to decrease.

What to Do First Afterward

Once the water levels stop rising and the warning has expired, use extreme caution if you have to walk through any of the floodwater. The water could have carried hazardous chemicals or materials into your home as well as sharp or heavy debris. Wear thick rubber boots or waders and gloves if you have to walk through it.

The first thing you should do before any sort of restoration is to take pictures and videos of the damage. Try to do this as soon as possible so you get the most accurate representation of the damage.

If you try to remove the water or save some of your possessions, you could actually end up making your insurance claim process harder and less accurate.

How SERVPRO Can Help

After you have taken photos and surveyed the damage, it can seem overwhelming to think about all of the water removal, repairs and mold cleanup that you have waiting for you. The good news is that SERVPRO of Lake Travis/NW Austin can handle your entire restoration!

We can remove the water, dry out your space and address the repairs needed to help you completely recover. Our team can even sanitize your space to help prevent mold growth. If your home floods, give SERVPRO a call right away.

If your home suffers from flood damage, we are here to help. Contact us day or night at SERVPRO of Lake Travis/NW Austin.