San Antonio is a populous area that sits in one of the most flood prone areas of North America. The thing is, Texas is susceptible to heavy rains and following flooding. In fact, San Antonio falls under one of the counties in Texas that are labeled as the Flash Flood Alley.

Now, this may make you wonder, what are flash floods? Flash floods occur suddenly, which stresses on the importance of prior planning.  Obviously, you can’t prevent floods, but you can prepare for disaster restoration well before time. Flash floods are known as sudden local floods that are a result of heavy rainfall that leads to flooding in low-lying areas. They can occur within just 6 hours, so if you live in San Antonio, you need to have a home restoration company’s number.

What to Do Before a Flood?

Flooding is the most disaster in San Antonio, so you need to be prepared in advance. Here are some flood preparation tips for people living in this flood zone.

1.    Know Your Area

The first step for preparation is knowing the area in which you live. In this case, you know that San Antonia falls in a flood zone, so you can expect a lot of rainfall and flash floods. Next, you should also know if your house is situated in an area where water can easily accumulate.

2.    Prepare an Emergency Kit

Now that you know you are in a flood zone, you need to prepare an emergency kit in advance. This emergency kit should include everything you need to sustain yourself in case of an emergency in the event that you’re unable to get out of the house. The basics of an emergency kit would be as follows:

• Water
• Food
• First aid box
• Water proof matches

3.    Insure Your Property

Once you’re aware that your property is prone to flooding, you should definitely be even more proactive in getting home insurance. Property insurance will then provide you coverage in case of damage to your property in the event of a disaster like a flood.

What to Do During a Flood?

Since floods are so common in San Antonio, you should also know how to deal with them. Here are a few tips to guide you.

1.    Stay on Higher Ground

The first thing to do in the event of a flood is to stay on higher ground. You want to avoid water as much as possible, so this should be the first thing to do. Moreover, make sure you don’t run to the basement or any low-lying areas in the house during a flood.

2.    Shut off Main Power Switch

Electrocution is a major danger in homes and offices during floods. When water fills your premises, there could be naked wires that may electrocute you or your loved ones. To prevent this, you should turn off the power as soon as a flood strikes to prevent any such deadly occurrence.

3.    Do Not Walk Through Flowing Water

No matter what, it is crucial that you do not walk through flowing water as research warns that most drownings occur during flash floods. Even six inches of flowing water can sweep you off your feet, and you may injure yourself from the fall, unable to get up. This may be enough time for water to choke you. Moreover, you will also prevent chances of electrocution this way.

What to Do After a Flood?

The flood may have passed, but it will leave a lot for you to do. Here are some tips on what you should do after a flood.

1.    Call Your Insurance Company

Since the flood may have ruined your property, you will need your insurance company to pay for damages. Before you even touch the property after a flood, you should ask your insurance providers to come and analyze your property.

2.    Call Water Damage Restoration

Flooding will cause major damage to your property. The first thing to take care of is home restoration after water damage. Even if water has been swept out, some moisture can seep into the basement, under the rug and in other crevices, which makes your home susceptible to mold growth. Mold can ruin organic materials and also lead to the release of toxins that can cause many health hazards to inhabitants.

3.    Sanitize Your Home

After basic water damage restoration, you should also receive sanitization services. You don’t know ho contaminated the flood water was, so you don’t want you and your family to be exposed to any health hazards. You can avail professional sanitization facilities that will rid your home of any possible infections and viruses, especially COVID-19.

Get Professional Home Restoration

As a resident of San Antonio, your property is susceptible to flooding every now and then.  This is why it is important that you know who to contact during this difficult time. 911 Restoration of San Antonio will take care of your home after a flood has hit.

These professionals will ensure a quick emergency response time and then ensure your home is revived to its pre-disaster state for your safe living.