Top Seven Flood Protection Tips

As experts in water damage extraction, we are often called on site to restore properties after a flood.  As we are in the middle of hurricane season, we wanted to share the top seven tips to help protect you from flash floods and flood damage:

If a flood is likely in your area, you should follow these Top Seven Flood Damage Protection Tips

Also, the following are important points to remember when driving in flood conditions:

• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
• A foot of water will float many vehicles.
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV’s) and pick-ups.

If you need more information on flood protection, please do not hesitate to contact us at WaterRemediation.org.

Florida Hurricane & Water Damage Emergency Contact List 2012

We are well on our way through hurricane season.  Tropical storm Debby swept through Florida a month ago causing millions of dollars in damage.  In fact, the state and federal government just approved $21 million dollars to go towards disaster assistance for Florida.

More than 12,000 survivors have contacted the Federal Emergency Management Agency for help or information regarding disaster assistance. Many people are seeking housing assistance from FEMA because their primary home is unlivable or inaccessible.

For survivors who have needs other than federal assistance, check out: Disaster Recovery and Water Damage Resources for Florida Residents

With us being in the midst of hurricane season, please ensure that you are prepared for a disaster before it strikes.  To help you, Watercleanup.org has prepared a list of emergency contact numbers and links for your convenience.  When hurricanes, severe weather, wildfires and other emergencies threaten Florida, we advise that you have the following numbers and links at hand.

EMERGENCY CONTACT LIST:

Florida Hurricane Storm Damage Emergency Contact List 2012

And as always, if you experience any emergencies with hurricane damage requiring water cleanup, contact the water cleanup experts at Watercleanup.org.  We are standing by 24/7.

River Flooding and Flood Hazard Terms

Pasco County, Florida has been under a Flood warning for the last few days.  Heavy rains brought on from summer thunderstorms, particularly tropical Storm Debby, have brought water levels up in rivers in the area.  Minor flooding is concurring in the area and more minor flooding is expected.  Residents should be on guard against flood damage.

Flood Warning is on until Thursday evening and residents are instructed to not drive through flooded areas.

Here are some Flood Hazard terms to familiarize yourself with to help identify a flood hazard: Flood Hazard Terms

If you need any help with flood cleanup,  please contact the water mitigation experts atFloodcleanuptampa.com.

Protect Your Community Against Flood and Water Damage

Last week, we described what elements are most at-risk during a flood.  This week, we will discuss what communities can do to help protect themselves from flood damage.

Here are some things that can be done to protect homes and communities from the damage caused by flooding.
Before the floods:

Raise community awareness about flooding and flood protection measures.

• Include flood awareness and preparedness in school programs.
• Publicize flood risk areas, warning signs and evacuation plans.
• Collect the local history of flooding, mark areas affected (floodheight markers) and commemorate the dates of significant floods.
• Conduct risks assessments
• Identify locations which might be affected by flooding, determine how often the flooding may occur and identify what might be damaged in a flood.
• Distribute flood hazard maps so that people know where there is a risk of flooding. Flood maps identify risks to individuals, enable preparation of emergency response plans, and determine where flood protection measures must be taken. They are also a great tool for community education and awareness
• Install sign posts marking possible flooding levels in the community to remind people of flood risks.
• Prepare community plans of action that explain what to do in case of flooding.
• Undertake non-structural measures: Identify ways in which the use if possible flood areas can be change to avoid or reduce the impact of flooding.
• Have a good early warning system in place. Local and regional weather information can be used to let the public know when flooding is a risk.

With advance warning, steps can be taken to increase protection, such as placing emergency response teams on high alert and preparing emergency shelters.

Some more precautions communities can take are:

How Can Communities Be More Protected Against Floods?

For help with flood mitigation, contact the experts at 1877drymeout.com.

 

Team 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT- First Race This Saturday!

Get your cheers ready folks! Team 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT will be racing THIS Saturday, July 21, 2012!

PITS OPEN at 3PM. GATES OPEN at 5PM, RACES START at 7PM.

PRICE OF ADMISSION: $12 for Adults, Kids 12 and under are FREE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL Showtime Speedway at 727-561-9646.

Cash only. $30 pits.

See showtimespeedway.us for details.

Looking forward to seeing you there!!

GO TEAM 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT!!!

Testimonial: Water Damage Land O' Lakes

Thanks to George from Land O’ Lakes, Florida for sending us this wonderful letter! We were privileged to perform water extraction services in his home and took care of some serious water damage in his kitchen and bathroom.  We had to do a complete restoration which meant removing wet cabinets and completely rebuilding.

We are so happy we could be there for you George and really appreciate your letter! Thank you!

1-800-DRY-ME-OUT provides 24/7 water damage services to West Coast Florida.  For more information, please visit us at www.drymeout.com.

Elements At Risk During Floods and Hurricanes

What is a flood?

Flooding is the unusual presence of water on land to a depth which affects normal activities. Flooding can arise from many sources including overflowing rivers, heavy rainfall over a short duration (flash floods), storms such as hurricanes, high tides, and large landslides or seismic events resulting in a tsunami.

A water damage  disaster usually occurs when people are not prepared for a flood due to the lack of early warning systems, disaster preparedness and water mitigation measures.  Flooding that happens rapidly is the most dangerous type of flooding for obvious reasons.

During a flood, the following are the most “at risk” elements and require extra attention when planning a flood disaster plan:

Most At-Risk Elements During A Flood

What To Do With Water Damage and Flooding

Here is a classic example of something water restoration companies come across so often: water damage that leads to a severe black mold problem.

The clients move into a new home. Upon moving in, they placed a lot of their boxes in the basement for storage. Eventually and coincidentally after a lot of heavy rain storms, the clients head into the basement only to find that their basement is flooded and their boxes are now sitting and/or floating in water.

 Often, clients will try to deal with flooding on their own. They may mop up the water and do their best to get rid of the flooding. However, clients will often stop there hoping that the area will just naturally dry out. Boxes may be left to try to dry out on their own. Area rugs might be left as well. Meanwhile, water from the initial flood has already seeped into the walls. All three examples can lead to mold infestation.

Learn what you should do if you have flood damage here: Call a Restoration Company at The Sign of Water Damage

Brandon Water Damage Testimonial

At 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT, we love what we do.  We especially love that our skills do more than restore homes…they restore lives.  That said, it is always extremely appreciated when we receive a letter in the mail from a happy client.  Thank you to Maria for taking the time to write us and send us her letter about how we helped her with her water damage.

After The Storm: Water Damage Tips

With the passing of Tropical Storm Debby, there is still a lot of water damage that needs to be taken care of.  After a storm has passed, there are still some steps that you should take to ensure your safety.

Click to read: After The Storm: Water Damage Tips

In case of a storm threat, it is important to note that the best place to be is completely outside of the threatened area in a safe and secure structure. It is important to stay informed and use your best judgment. The key to surviving a hurricane or tropical storm is 1) Being Prepared, 2) Staying Informed and 3) Staying Safe.

If you have damage resulting from the storm and require water extraction services, please call us at 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT. Stay dry!