Flood Damage in Indianapolis and How to Stay Safe

5/29/2020 (Permalink)

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Sometimes floods develop slowly in Indianapolis, and forecasters can anticipate where a flood will happen days or weeks before it occurs. Often flash floods can occur within minutes and sometimes without any sign of rain. Being prepared can save your property and give you peace of mind.

Prepare Your Home

1. If you have access to sandbags or other materials, use them to protect your home from floodwaters if you have sufficient time to do so. Filling sandbags can take more time than you may think.

2. Have a professional install check-valves in plumbing to prevent floodwaters from backing up into the drains of your home.

Make sure your sump pump is working and consider having a backup. Make sure your electric circuit breakers, or fuses, are marked for each area of your home.

3. Since standard homeowners insurance doesn't always cover flooding, ensure coverage by contacting your insurance company or agent to purchase flood insurance.

Many flood insurance policies take at least 30 days to go into effect, so even if you can buy it as a storm is approaching, it may not protect your investment.

Create a Communication Plan

It is essential to be able to communicate with your family and friends in the event of a disaster. Having a communication plan in place will give you peace of mind if disaster does strike your Indianapolis home or business.

Predetermine a specific person to contact for status updates. It's also good to have a safe location to meet up with family members.

Assemble an Emergency Kit

It is good practice to have enough food, water, and medicine on hand at all times to last you at least three days in the case of an emergency.

Water service may be interrupted or unsafe to drink, and food requiring little cooking and no refrigeration may be needed if electric power is interrupted.

It would be best if you also had batteries, blankets, flashlights, first aid kit, rubber boots, rubber gloves, and a NOAA Weather Radio or other battery-operated radio readily available.

Call SERVPRO for Help

Flood damage can be devastating to your Indianapolis home or business. Call the storm damage and clean up professionals at SERVPRO of Indianapolis West.317-243-3149

We have the experience and equipment to handle all types of damage from floodwaters, sewage overflows, busted water pipes, and mold growth. We are available 24/7 for any size disaster.