Before and After Flood Preparation

Floods can be destructive in many ways. We need to understand that nobody is really safe when it comes to disasters and calamities. In fact, there is no such safe place in this world. Proper preparation is key to cope with this situation. People from other regions who have not witnessed rain and typhoons their whole lives might be shocked when they experience one. Negligence of proper planning can cause more casualties and damage in properties and livelihood.

Awareness Checklist

Every household needs a survival plan for uninvited calamities that might occur any time of the day. But first, make sure to understand the following:

• Do research on the flood risk to your area
• Prepare home and other properties
• Know how to respond when water comes
• Recover after a flood

Before Flood

• Pack an emergency backpack with all your essential needs such as bottled water, canned goods sanitary necessities and medication in case of evacuation needs
• Evacuate as soon as possible when the authority tells to do so
• Find higher ground if a flash flood is expected
• Turn off the general switch at home and disconnect electrical appliances

During a Flood

• Avoid walking through moving water
• If you really need to walk through water to go somewhere, choose a path where water is not moving
• Have a stick with you to check the firmness of the ground where you intend to walk
• Do not drive in flooded areas
• Abandon your vehicle and move to higher ground
• Never touch any electrical equipment especially if you are wet or standing in water

After a Flood

• Stay updated through community radio for latest updates on the flood and the weather
• Avoid floodwater that may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage
• Be attentive—the water might be electrically charged
• Know the areas where the flood waters have receded
• Report the downed power lines to power companies as soon as possible
• Return home only when authorities announce that it is safe
• Avoid buildings surrounded by flood water
• Clean and sanitize everything that got wet by flood water. It can contain sewage and chemicals that can be hazardous to your health
• Call cleaners and restoration experts for more extensive remediation 

Why DIY is not Recommended for Flood Cleanup

You can always do-it-yourself whenever you want. It is understandable that doing-it-yourself can save you money, but not time and effort. You have been through the distress of flood occurrence and you might want to rest from the stress of what had happened. Getting experienced and reliable professionals in flood cleanup and water damage restoration is the best option you can have at this moment. EcoPure Restoration has been serving San Diego residents for emergency cleanup and restoration needs. Visit http://www.ecopurerestoration.com/ for more details.