A flood is an unpredictable natural phenomenon that often results from massive storms and heavy rains. Florida is one of the states that are prone to flooding because of hurricanes; it’s best to know your property’s flood risk to make preparations before the hurricane season starts.
When a flood goes out of control, it may only take minutes before an evacuation is issued. When the time to evacuate arrives, you must act quickly to preserve your emergency kit and belongings and protect your family from impending danger. ServiceMaster by Wright has some tips to remember when escaping a flooded property in Cape Coral, Florida.
5 Different Types of Floods
- Coastal flooding - This is a type of flood formed by the accumulation of water on land caused by heavy rainfall, storm surges, tides, or waves.
- River flooding - This type of flooding happens when water overflows or rises over the top of riverbanks, which could occur regardless of the size of the river or stream.
- Flash flooding - This is caused by extreme thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes, and often begins within 6 hours after heavy rainfall. Factors that could contribute to the severity of a flash flood include the intensity and location of the rainfall, the landscape, and the soil type and condition.
- Groundwater flooding - This occurs when significant rain causes water from inundated drainage systems to overflow into the streets and nearby properties, occurring in both rural and urban areas.
- Sewage flooding - Sewage flooding happens when sewers or sewage systems are overwhelmed by unexpected heavy rainfall and release untreated sewage into bodies of water. This can leak or come up through toilets, showers, or sinks.
Escaping a Flooded Property in Cape Coral, Florida
When a flood happens, try not to panic. Keep a clear mind and remember these steps:
Turn off the main switch.
- If the flood is not gushing, first make sure that you turn off your main switch; this will spare you from any electrical accidents that might occur through the water inside your house.
- Make sure that your hand and the electrical line are dry before touching the main switch. Plug out all electrical appliances and shut off your gas system.
Grab your emergency kit.
- When there is a need to vacate, this one should be brought first, along with food, in case the flood will last for more than three days.
Keep your property safe.
- Secure your house before leaving by locking all doors and windows.
Go to higher ground.
- Listen to the radio and follow the instructions when being told which roads are not safe and which are safe.
- Avoid using shortcuts as they might not be safe routes for you and your family. Your local emergency team will give you directions as to where the nearest safe place is located.
Don’t cross a flooded area.
- Never underestimate the force of water; a knee-level, fast-water flood can sweep you all of a sudden.
- It is better to turn around and go in the opposite direction or cross the water when it is not moving. Protect your balance.
Don’t drive through a flooded road.
- It may look like only a few inches of water, but a flood can surely make your car lose control. Watch out for barricades; do not drive around them.
- Leave your car if it stalls or if water rises around it. Move to a higher place and look for a safe spot. Your life is more important.
What to Do After a Flood
After the flood, ensure that it is safe to travel back home. Ask the safety officer assigned to your town/city about the intensity of the damage of the flood to buildings. The information that they will give you will help you assess how to keep yourself safe while inspecting your house or office for flood damage.
Here is what you should do:
- Check for structural damage. Check the walls, floors, doors, windows, and most importantly the ceiling—it might fall out before you know it.
- Check if there are any gas leaks. If the gas was turned off before you leave, make sure to seek professional help in turning on the gas for safety purposes.
- For insurance claims, take pictures of the damaged areas, whether walls, ceilings, doors, or windows.
A flood is a natural disaster, and no one can avoid it once it happens. Make sure that you are always emergency-ready; having a calm mind will help you survive this calamity. Always remember to put safety first, and save your life and that of your family before you save your belongings. You can have everything taken care of by a flood damage restoration company in Cape Coral later.
Contact Us for Water Damage Restoration in Cape Coral, Florida
ServiceMaster by Wright is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at our live answering service, (239) 431-9947, for flood damage restoration in Cape Coral, FL. You can also connect with us online. We are servicing residential and commercial properties in Southwest Florida and the surrounding areas and counties.
- Nearly 40 years of experience
- IICRC Accreditation
- State-of-the-art equipment
- Licensed technicians
Don't know what to do next? We do.
Our Cape Coral office is located at 2829 SE 18th, Cape Coral, FL 33904. Contact us today.
