Hurricane Season Flood Prevention Tips to Help Richardson, TX, Residents Minimize Property Damage

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Carrollton shares flood prevention tips to enable homeowners and businesses to safely weather the upcoming hurricane season in the North Dallas area.

Flood restoration services are critical during hurricane season. Each year flooding causes severe damage to many homes and businesses across the U.S. Much of the damage occurs from hurricanes and related flooding.

From June through November, Carrollton, TX, has the potential to experience severe weather and heavy rains from tropical storms and hurricanes. Flooding can occur almost without warning, especially when a band of thunderstorms, a tropical storm, or the remnants of a hurricane stall out over a large area, dumping many inches of rain in just a short period of time. The key to overcoming the challenges presented by the severe weather is adequate preparation, a safety-conscious response, and a rapid cleanup and restoration.

Preventative steps can help protect homes and businesses from the ravages of a hurricane or other severe weather. Listed below are several tips to help reduce storm and flood damage. These tips focus on preparation before flooding strikes and what to do once the storm and flooding have passed.

Flood Prevention Tips for Hurricane Season

Tip: Prepare the outside of the home or business for the upcoming severe weather.

Severe weather involves several elements: wind, hail, heavy rain, sustained heavy rain, wind-driven rain, lightning, and flooding. The flooding may inundate an entire neighborhood or section of town, or floods may be very localized, involving one or two homes in a subdivision or cul-de-sac.

1. Relocate outdoor machinery or equipment that might be affected by flooding. Tractors, lawnmowers, tillers, or equipment used in a business such as trenchers, skid steers, or excavators should be moved to higher ground. A shed next to a creek or stream is vulnerable to flood damage, so remove valuable equipment, tools, or belongings that might be damaged or lost should the structure be swept away in a flood. Electric or battery-powered outdoor garden tillers, weed trimmers, mowers, and shearers are water and moisture sensitive. Make sure these items are kept dry and safe from rising water.
2. Secure or relocate outdoor furniture. Thankfully, Carrollton’s location protects it from the full brunt of the effects of a hurricane. However, the area is no stranger to hurricanes and occasionally receives a pounding. In 2015, Hurricane Bill had winds approaching 60 mph. Chantal (1989) blew through Carrollton with winds approaching 80 mph. Alicia (1983) had winds over 100mph. Lawn furniture, garbage cans, recreational equipment (trampoline), and small sheds can become damage-causing projectiles when swept up by strong winds.
3. Businesses should reinforce anchors and bracing holding signs. If there is any concern, dismantle or relocate the signs. A broken storefront window could allow extensive wind-driven rain damage.
4. If time and resources permit, install floodgates and sandbags to prevent flooding. Board up windows and doors. Where possible, apply emergency tarping to prevent water seepage. These dry flood protection measures can be very effective at preventing or reducing flooding.

Tip: Protect the interior of the home or business from flooding from a hurricane or tropical storm.

Flood damage can have a cascade of consequences. Pre-emptive measures can prevent this domino effect from occurring.

1. Shut off the electricity to outlets and circuits that could be affected by rising water. Electronics and water do not mix. Go the extra mile to ensure computers, printers, laptops, monitors, circuit panels, control panels, and other electrical interfaces are well-protected.
2. Relocate furniture, personal belongings, equipment, electronics, and other valuables to an upper story or the high end of the home or business. Some items might need to be moved off-premises to ensure protection and safety.
3. Doormats, area rugs, and runners should be rolled up and removed from the floor to prevent mold and mildew should the items become wet.

Tip: Before beginning any post-flood cleanup, address insurance claim concerns.

Contact the insurance agency handling the claim. Special instructions may apply to the situation. Document the damage with photos, video, and written notes, and do not move anything or throw any items away before the scene has been archived. If possible, store the images, video, and notes in the cloud.

A tip for recovering from hurricane damage: Choose a damage restoration company before the storm strikes.

Prequalifying a storm damage restoration company, such as SERVPRO of Carrollton, reduces stress and gives the homeowner a clear plan of action when a hurricane or severe weather damages the home. At SERVPRO of Carrolton, technicians utilize the best equipment, cutting-edge technology, advanced cleaning techniques, and EPA-approved products to clean and restore damaged properties. The team is trained and equipped to handle the entire cleanup and restoration project, including the insurance claim process. Upon arrival, a trained technician will inspect the site, assess the damage, and present the customer with a detailed estimate.

To learn more about Richardson, TX, flood restoration services, call SERVPRO of Carrollton at (972) 446-0383. The office can also be contacted by emailing office@SERVPRO10952.com