So far this summer, areas of the United States have encountered record setting rainfall causing floods to streets, commercial buildings and homes. Check out this flooding video on Weather.com in the south of California over the weekend! Have you thought about what you would do if flooding occurred in your region? Whether you’re driving a car or are inside your house or workplace, knowing what to do if a flood hits might help you avoid damage and keep you safe from harm.
If there is excess water on the street:
- If you lose traction in your tires, take your foot off the accelerator until you are capable of steering the car again. Do not brake!
- If your car goes into a fishtail spin, let off the gas slowly. Do not brake unless your foot is already on the brake then lift it off slowly. Steer into the opposite direction towards the skid.
- Avoid driving through a roadway that’s been flooded, no matter how shallow you think the water seems. You cannot predict how deep the water may be.
- To avoid an auto accident, keep extra space between you and the car in front of you in case a driver brakes quickly. While averaging 64 miles per hour, one vehicle’s distance to a full stop is approximately 304 ft., or the length of an entire football field.
- Look at your tire pressure once a month. Inflated tires can save money with increased gas mileage and help avoid crashes caused by failed tires.
If there is flooding inside your home or office:
- Follow evacuation guidelines and call 911 if you experience any danger
- Try to secure your home prior to evacuating if it’s safe to do so
- Use at-home sandbags and towels in pipes
- Call your insurance company
- Call Paul!
Water damage restoration services provided by Paul Davis:
- 24/7 emergency services
- Water damage assessment, water extraction and removal
- Drying out affected areas of your home (including walls, carpet/padding, furniture)
- Cleaning and restoration of personal possessions (clothes, linens, books, documents, etc.)
- Mold and mildew remediation
- Locate and repair source of leaking water
- Insurance claim assistance
References: Weather.com | Smartmotorists.com | Driversedguru.com