How to Stay Safe During a Flood

7/11/2023 (Permalink)

Flooding from a 2010 storm. Photo: FEMA

Homeowners in Louisiana face an especially high risk of flooding. These are especially common during hurricane season, but can also be caused by unusual or severe weather patterns. 

If you have experienced flooding in your home, it is important to conduct a list of safety checks before reentering your home. The Department of Housing and Urban Development has produced an in-depth document outlining these safety steps. Some important steps from this list include: 

• Checking the roof for dips or weak spots

• Checking external walls to determine if they are no longer plumb 

• Conducting an external inspection of the foundation to determine if there is any damage

• Ensuring that electricity and gas have been completely shut off

Inside of the house, some additional hazards may be present, some of these may include:

• Contaminated flood water may have left dangerous contaminants behind or dangerous debris. 

• Mold may have developed in your home, crawl spaces, or attics. Certain species of mold may cause serious health risks to you and your family. 

• Older homes also run the risk of lead or asbestos contamination.  

The desire to check on your home and get back to normal after a flood or major water damage disaster is completely natural, but even a few minutes inside could lead to serious risks to your health. At SERVPRO® of South Shreveport, we provide emergency water disaster services for Shreveport, Bossier City, Northwest Louisiana and Northeast Texas.  Our mitigation specialists have extensive training for safely entering these types of dangerous environments and for getting the remediation process started.  It is our hope you never have to experience a water damage disaster, but if you do, we are a phone call away at (318) 865-4655 and are always here to help.