When A Chicago Flash Flood Is Over The Cleanup Begins

7/7/2015 (Permalink)

A flash flood situation is very dangerous.

When A Flash Flood Is Over The Cleanup Begins 

You didn't anticipate a flash flood, but it happened. A building that held your business or the place you call home has felt the impact of flood water. How should you handle this situation? What is the next step? Questions will fill a person's mind, and their emotions will be difficult to handle. Recovering from a flash flood will not happen quickly. It will take time to return to normal.

Remain Informed
When trying recover from Chicago storm damage, it's important to stay aware of events from the local media such as television or radio. Weather radio can also provide important information. There is always a chance of dangerous flooding even after the water levels have dropped. The news media will be able to provide information on when it will be safe to return or go outside.

Examine Utilities
If a person returns to a building and sees wires that are frayed or broken, smells burning insulation or sees sparks, the electricity needs to be turned off immediately. Avoid going into water to reach a fuse box. Ask for help from a professional electrician if this is the case. It is possible that a building's sewage or water lines have sustained damage. A licensed plumber needs to be asked for help. In some cases, people may smell propane or natural gas or hear a hissing noise. If this happens, a person should leave the area immediately and inform the fire department.

Do Not Consume The Water
When a flash flood has impacted a building or home, neither the well or tap water should be used for drinking or anything else. It is best to wait until the authorities declare the water does not contain any type of pollutants. It is best to get bottled water or water from a safe source to use until the building's or home's water is safe. Boiling water will kill most types of unsafe microorganisms. Bleach will destroy most types of bacteria. Eight drops for each gallon of water should be effective. Once the bleach is put in the water, it should not be used for at least 30 minutes.

Children And Pets
A flash flood situation is very dangerous. Children and pets need to be watched closely to keep them safe from harm.

Flooded Areas
It is important to stay away from flooded areas. Barricades should not be challenged. There could be a number of problems that are visible as well as invisible. This includes road damage, bridge damage, and a number of other problems. It's important to follow the recommendation of emergency workers. Avoid driving as much as possible and keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.

Moving Water
It's important for people to stay away from any moving water. It only takes half a foot of moving water to knock a person down. A few feet of moving water can sweep away most automobiles.

Traveling
When going any place after a flash flood, it will require the utmost caution. Traveling should only be done with necessary. It would be best only to go when the flood water is no longer moving. If going across flooded areas, a stick should be used to determine depth and firmness before each step. Contaminated water is a danger as well as dangerous debris, unnoticed animals, weakened roads and walkways can make traveling very dangerous by both foot or car. Do not go into any building surrounded by flood water. Wait until authorities have declared it to be safe.

Get Help
SERVPRO can be contacted to restore items in a building or home that have been impacted by water damage.

Cleaning and Disinfecting
Once the floodwater has lowered, it is time to begin the process of cleaning and disinfecting all wet items in a home. This will protect homeowners from chemical contaminants as well as sewage and more. Wearing protective clothing such as rubber gloves and boots is essential during this process. In many cases, to eliminate the damage caused by Chicago storm damage, it may require upholstery cleaning as well as carpet cleaning, mold remediation and more.

Throw Away
Any food in cans or jars that came in contact with flood water need to be thrown away. It's also a good idea to get rid of any plastic utensils, bottled water, baby bottles and more that were in flood water.

Scammers
After every flood, there are going to be fake contractors who will try and take advantage of the situation. This is the time to only work with reputable contractors who are professional. They will provide the best cleanup and repair service.

Drainage
When a building's basement get flooded, it is best to drain it slowly. Experts recommend approximately 1/3 each day. This is a safe drainage method and will prevent structure damage. If water is removed too quickly, it could cause a structure to collapse.

Insurance Claims
Once a flash flood has happened, it's time to contact the insurance company and start the claim recovery process. Many homeowner policies do not cover Chicago flood damage. Confirm flood coverage prior to a flood.

Help
When trying to figure out recovery steps from a flash flood, it's important to stay in touch with the local television and radio. They can provide important recovery information such as government and other organizations to contact. SERVPRO is able to restore any building or home impacted by a flash flood. Contact us immediately, and the work will begin as soon as you need.

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Evergreen Park/South Chicago City is close by and ready to respond to storm and disaster events. We are proud to be an active member of the Chicago community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.