The springtime season we love the most, is also the time of year most unpredictable weather-wise. Lingering un-settled cold blasts, sudden temperature swings, heavy spring rains and dramatic increases in river flows all evolve quickly into rising floodwaters throughout many areas of North America. This spring be smart, think ahead, know the best precautions to take, as well as all important post-storm steps that better safeguard your property and family.
Recommended Springtime Precautions from Paul Davis Restoration
Understand your community’s emergency plans. They are public knowledge, so just Google ‘my community’s emergency plans’ and bookmark them, or print and save them for reference. A simple Google search will show you local area preparedness recommendations. Likewise, sign-up to automatically receive alerts of local reports for expected severe weather, too.
Consider getting Storm Shield – the National Weather Service App that’s FREE. The Storm Shield app sends users severe weather alerts based on their specific location. Voice alerts, similar to NOAA (National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration) and weather radio, push notifications to your phone or computer. Also accessible are radar maps, current conditions, and hourly and daily forecasts.
Have awareness of weather and flood warning signals for your area. Common warning signals include intense rainfall, dam or levee failure, as well as other events such as slow moving tropical storms and early snow melt. All contribute to flooding, whether you live in a flood zone or not. Have a prepared list of evacuation routes and locations of emergency shelters ready for your use, too.
Create an emergency supply kit specialized for your family. Consider the needs of children, elderly relatives, medical dependent persons and those physically challenged, so during emergencies you are able to assist them reach safety. Be prepared to take shelter or evacuate by listening to directions from local authorities and in all cases, never ignore an evacuation order.
Recommended Post-Disaster Actions from Paul Davis Restoration
“Once the skies clear after a severe storm or natural disaster, there’s quite a lot in disarray and the wreckage poses serious health and safety risks to you and your loved ones,” says Kevin Sullivan, President, Paul Davis of Northern Virginia. “Dangers lurk in many places and are often hard to spot, so ensure you and your loved ones stay healthy and injury-free by following our safety tips.”
Use good sense to prevent illness. Clean up, disinfect, and practice good hygiene to avoid illness from bacteria, viruses, mold, and mildew. Consider all ground water unsanitary and avoid skin and eye contact.
Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning when staying indoors. Only use generators, pressure washers, blowers, chain saws, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices outside.
Keep hydrated and avoid high heat or severe cold. Drink plenty of fluids. Dress with comfortable and seasonally appropriate layers. Be sure to have clothing that covers legs and arms, gloves and footwear to protect against injury, and a hat or helmet to avoid head injuries.
Stay safe when using power equipment. Follow chain saw safety rules and use chainsaws according to manufacturer instructions. Avoid the use of electric tools or appliances while standing in water. Never turn your power service on or off yourself, or use an electric tool or appliance while standing in water.
Avoid stray domestic animals. And steer clear of wild animals, birds, snakes, squirrels and others that may have been traumatized by storms or flooding.
Stay away from any damaged buildings. Wait until a building inspector or local government authority has been able to examine the property and certify that it’s safe to reenter and occupy.
If flood or storm water has entered your home. Contact a qualified mitigation or restoration company to inspect, clean up and dry your home quickly after the storm or flood ends; within 24 to 48 hours if possible.
Sullivan summarizes with good advice. Emergency experts and mitigation specialists are there to help you recover safely. Paul Davis Restoration offers 24/7/365 services. Call 888-473-7669. When things go wrong, we do what’s right.
