| Here is a helpful check list for preventing damage | | | | - Stock up on clean water and other necessities. |
| to your property by flooding and to minimize the | | | | - If evacuating the building, turn off all utilities |
| damage that follows. | | | | including electric, natural gas and the main water |
| The Mitigation Phase | | | | supply. |
| Prior to a flood, there are actions that you can | | | | - Place important documents, computer |
| take to diminish damage: | | | | equipment and other valuables in a designated |
| - Have a professional assess your property for | | | | "flood safe" area or store them in water-proof |
| high-risk areas. Identifying these low-lying areas | | | | packaging. |
| gives you an indication of where sandbags will be | | | | The Recovery Phase |
| helpful to prevent flooding on your property. | | | | Following a flood, you can prevent further |
| - Make sure fuel tanks located above ground are | | | | damage to your property and mitigate some of |
| well anchored. This will prevent them from floating | | | | the damage before restoration professionals |
| away in the event of a flood. | | | | arrive by following these tips: |
| - Consider dry and/or wet flood proofing your | | | | - Contact your insurance provider as soon as |
| property. | | | | possible. |
| - Dry flood proofing prevents flood waters from | | | | - Turn off the main electric power, natural gas |
| entering a building. | | | | and water supply, if you haven't already done so. |
| - Wet flood proofing allows waters to enter the | | | | - Keep electric, natural gas and water turned off |
| building but minimizes the damage to the interior. | | | | for your safety until professionals have inspected |
| Install flood warning systems to notify the | | | | these systems for damages. |
| building's occupants of potential danger. | | | | - Examine the condition of the facility after flood |
| Consider purchasing a generator for outdoor use | | | | waters recede. Determine whether the facility is |
| only. Keep generators away from air intakes into | | | | structurally safe to inhabit. If you are unsure, wait |
| the building and do not use them in any attached | | | | for a professional to declare it structurally safe |
| building, such as garages. | | | | before re-entering the building. |
| Install check valves in sewer traps or catch basins | | | | - Assess the extent of damage to the interior |
| to prevent the unwanted backflow of sewer | | | | and exterior of your property. Take detailed |
| water up through the trap while permitting the | | | | notes and photograph the damage, if possible. |
| downflow of water through the trap and into the | | | | This will help restoration professionals when they |
| sewer. | | | | arrive and document the damages for insurance |
| Develop a plan of action in the event of a flood | | | | claim purposes. |
| and make sure all of the property's occupants are | | | | - Remove standing water from the interior of |
| informed of the procedures. | | | | your property. |
| The Preparation Phase | | | | - Remove wet carpeting and furnishings. |
| When a flood is imminent, there are specific steps | | | | - Run a dehumidifier from a generator, if you |
| to take to ensure proper protection for your | | | | have one, to help dry out the property. If you |
| property: | | | | don't have a dehumidifier run battery operated |
| - Obtain the necessary materials for sandbags | | | | fans. |
| and create a plan for their strategic placement | | | | - Relocate wet items to a sunny area, if possible, |
| around your property. | | | | to speed the drying process. |
| - Secure or bring in outdoor furniture and other | | | | - Remove debris to the outdoors for easy |
| items. | | | | pick-up. |