What Not To Do After a Flood: 3 Actions To Avoid

4/18/2018 (Permalink)

Flood Waters and flood areas during severe storms can be dangerous

Flooding in New Orleans, LA, can create a variety of dangers for you and your family. When flooding first occurs, you may not be sure how to keep everyone safe until help arrives. However, remembering a few storm tips and knowing what not to do can keep you and your family out of harm’s way.

1. Avoid Contact With Flood Waters

Even still flood waters can present a danger due to their contamination levels. This can be especially true if your neighborhood has experienced sewer backup. Because the water may contain human feces, urine and chemicals from household appliances, it is important to not allow your children to play in standing water, even if it does not look dirty. Move your family to high ground until a storm damage and water removal company can drain flood waters from your home and yard.

2. Do Not Use Appliances or Electronics

The risk of electric shock can be severe inside a flooded home. Even if your neighborhood has power, electric lines and transformers may still be malfunctioning. Avoid trying to plug or unplug any electronic items or trying to operate your home’s circuit panels. This can result in serious injury or even death if your system has been exposed to water.

3. Do Not Drive Through Deep Water

Leaving a flooded area can help you and your family stay safe; however, floods can present dangers on the road as well. If you encounter a flooded street, do not try to drive through the water. It may be deeper than you know, and it only takes a few inches of water to cause a car’s tires to lose contact with the road. Reverse course and find another route around the storm damage until you can reach a safe haven.

Flooding in New Orleans, LA, can be frightening, especially when help has not yet arrived. However, keeping a few storm tips in mind may allow you to act with confidence when it comes to protecting your loved ones.

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