The crazy weather Illinois experienced earlier this month contributed to flooding in about 2,000 homes. Illinois received the equivalent of two weeks of rain in two hours which led to basement flooding and sewer backups in many homes. After the flooding, the requirement for water damage repair and cleanup in Illinois has increased manifold. Even though Great Toronto Area has experienced a fantastic summer after, among the harshest winters ever, the devastating weather Illinois experienced is a reminder for everybody that we will need to be ready for harsh weather. 

Weather predictions usually warn folks about inclement weather beforehand, but many times floods arrive abruptly, as residents of Illinois found out the hard way. Let’s take a look at a couple of flood safety tips that may beneficial to you.

Take preventive measures against flood

If you reside in a flood-prone area, it is advisable to elevate the furnace and electric panel of your home. Among the typical issues, homeowners face during floods is flooding water backing up in the drains. To prevent this, you can hire a plumber and install check valves.

When a flood occurs, move to a higher floor

During a flood, you’ll have little time to create a determination, therefore, you must get your priorities right. When a flash flood warning has been issued in your area, don’t wait to collect your personal belongings. Your priority should be to be sure that the security of your own family. It’s advised that you don’t wait for directions and immediately proceed to a higher ground whilst taking your emergency kit with you if water levels have been always increasing around your home.

Don’t attempt to cross a flooded area

Even six inches of moving water can make you fall, therefore you mustn’t attempt to cross flooded flows or canyons. This can be true even when you are in a car as transferring water has the intensity to sweep off SUVs and pick-up trucks. If the water level around your vehicle rises quickly, abandon it and move to someplace of security.

Follow all of the safety guidelines after a flooding

Following the water levels have receded, you may want to quickly re-enter your house, but doing so can harmful because of the risk of electric shocks or fire. You must wait till the authorities declare that it is safe to do so. To prevent the possibility of electrical shocks, it’s advisable that you call an electrician and have all the appliances assessed completely. You also need to check your house for any structural damages, for example, buckled walls or holes in the flooring before you proceed in. Flooding can contaminate drinking water if you suspect that your drinking water is contaminated, do not drink it.

These were a couple of tips flood safety tips that you should keep in mind before, during, and after a flood. As we discussed earlier, the devastation caused by rampant weather in Illinois has made it crystal clear that all of us need to be prepared for handling inclement weather and flooding. Although efforts are searching for Illinois water damage cleanup, it’ll take some time for those residents to restore their homes. The silver lining in this devastation has been the support and co-operation the people of Illinois have provided to those who’ve been affected.

If your property suffers from flood, call the pros at PuroClean!

To understand how to prevent flooding in your basement, have a peek at these tips, and if your basement has flooded, learn what to do here. For professional fire, water remediation, mold, and property restoration solutions, contact your local PuroClean office.