While our neighbors in Houston continue to recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey, we reflect on the ways we can protect ourselves from similar disasters. September is National Preparedness Month, which encourages every household in America to develop an emergency plan in the event of a disaster. Though Dallas is not in imminent danger of a hurricane, we have experienced firsthand the effects of flash flooding, tornadoes, ice storms and other natural disasters. RestoPros is focusing on flood preparation this month, which is something we know quite a bit about.
Flooding usually happens in Dallas/Ft. Worth during a sustained rain shower or after several days of rain. The last significant flooding occurred last summer, when Dallas was hit with a particularly hard rain storm. Several streets were flooded, but fortunately homes and businesses were not directly affected. But regardless of the threat, it’s always good practice to have an emergency plan in place. The American Red Cross has established some important procedures that everyone should take into account when putting together a plan for your household.
Flood Watch/Warning
Know the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning. When a flood watch is issued, it means that people in the designated area should be on alert. Make sure that you have access to a live weather forecast. A flood warning means that flooding is imminent in your area and you should evacuate immediately. Seek higher ground or go to the nearest shelter.
Assemble an Emergency Preparedness Kit
Put together a kit with the proper supplies you’ll need in case of an emergency. The Red Cross has a list of essential items to pack (which includes a first aid kit).
Create an Evacuation Plan
Have a family meeting and discuss how you would respond to a variety of possible emergencies. In the best-case scenario, everyone will be together during an emergency, but that won’t always be possible. Discuss different evacuation scenarios – and alternate meeting places. Make sure that there is a copy of the evacuation plan notes in an easily accessible area.
Community Safety Plans
Keep informed about local and statewide information on proper safety procedures. The Texas Division of Emergency Management is a great resource for information, education and contacts.
NOAA Broadcasts
Make sure that you have access to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for the latest information on weather-related emergencies. NOAA has a website and radio presence and can be easily accessed in a variety of platforms.
Emergency Shelters
Finding the closest shelters should be a part of your evacuation plan. A flood shelter might be located in a different area than other destinations, so be mindful of the difference. Flood shelters will be located on higher ground, though the services will be the same. You can open Red Cross shelters here.
Water Preparation
Keep a stock of empty plastic bottles to fill with clean drinking water. You will also want to fill bathtubs and sinks up with water for washing clothes or flushing the toilet in case the local water supple is affected by the flood.
Outdoor Furniture
Bring patio furniture and any other outdoor belongings inside to keep them safe from harm. Large items like tables and chairs could cause damage to your home or hurt people if swept up in a flood.
Secure Home Interior
Limit the damage of your home’s interior by moving furniture and anything of value to a second floor or a higher level of the home. Unplug appliances and turn off power at the source if flooding inside your home is a possibility.
Pet Safety
During a flood watch, make sure that you bring all your companion animals inside. Have pet carriers, collars and leashes packed if you are planning to evacuate. The Red Cross has notes for putting together a pet emergency kit with several ideas for cats and dogs.
RestoPros hopes that your family never has to deal with the damaging effects of a flood. But if you ever need assistance with water damage and its various effects on your home, our professional technicians can help. We’ve been the leading water damage restoration service in Dallas/Ft. Worth for years. Call us at 855-587-3786 to set up an appointment – 24 hours a day!
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