In the Lehigh Valley, what should you do following a flash flood?

What should you do if your business or home has been the casualty of a flash flood?

Questions and emotions surge as the water recedes and now you want to know what happens next? Unlike the word flash in flash flood, recovery takes much longer.

These are some guidelines of what to do immediately following a flash flood in Lehigh Valley.

Always stay tuned in.

It’s essential to listen to local radio, TV, or your weather radio for necessary information during the flash flood recovery process. Even after all of the water has receded, flood dangers are still very real. Numerous news outlets will keep you informed of current situations and when it’s safe to return or venture out.

Safely assessing your utilities.

If you witness broken or frayed wires, sparks shooting out from anywhere, or smell smoke or burning, then turn off your electrical, but only If you don’t have to step into water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker. If you can’t reach it safely, you need to consult an electrician for advice or to come and shut it down for you. Your water or sewage lines may have been damaged, and if they have, consult a licensed plumber right away. Natural gas or propane odors or hearing a hissing noise, should be remedied by vacating the area immediately and contacting the fire department.

Never drink the water right after a flood.

Tap or well water should never be consumed until it’s been declared safe for consumption and free of human waste contamination, fuels, and other pollutants. You cannot use this water for anything, including brushing your teeth, preparing foods, washing dishes, making ice, or even washing your hands with it. Water heaters that have not been damaged and melted ice cubes may offer a clean source of water to get you by, but be cautious. If you need and don’t have access to safe water:

You can boil water for one minute, then cool, and store in clean, covered containers. This will destroy most types of disease-causing microorganisms.

Children of all ages as well as pets and seniors should be watched carefully

Flood-ravaged areas should be avoided at all costs.

There is a reason that barricades have been erected, it’s for your protection. Since additional flooding may occur after the flood has receded, roads may have been damaged, and an array of hazards, both visible and invisible may be present. By staying off all roadways, you are helping emergency workers get to flood victims that may need to be rescued.

Always stay away from moving water.

If there is an emergency and you must travel, use extreme caution.

Be diligent of not ingesting anything contaminated, be aware of electrical hazards, hidden animals, dangerous debris, eroded roads and walkways, that can quickly land you in a dangerous situation whether you are traveling by foot or car. If any type of structure is surrounded by floodwaters, they may be weakened and should be avoided until they have been declared safe from collapse.

When there is any type of flooding, you need professional flood recovery services that employ highly trained teams, such as Restoration 1 Lehigh Valley to get the job done correctly and efficiently.