Cleanup Tips After Suffering a Flood | SERVPRO of Sanibel/Captiva Island/Ft. Myers Beach

5/21/2024 (Permalink)

Has a flash flood left damaging aftermath to your home? We are here for the rescue! Call SERVPRO of Sanibel/Captiva Island/Ft. Myers Beach today.

Floods are a common occurrence in our oceanside community, which should be no surprise due to all of the water nearby as well as the threat of hurricanes and coastal storms throughout the year. 

Thunderstorms and hurricanes can cause serious damage to our homes and businesses, especially those that are right on the water. Knowing what to do before, during and after a flood can help keep your family safe and this knowledge can actually help minimize potential damage. 

Steps to Take Before the Storm

We are grateful that these types of storms that impact our community are often predicted days in advance, so we have plenty of time to prepare our homes and businesses. You should start battening down the hatches as soon as the forecast comes out! 

Secure patio furniture, grills or propane tanks to the ground, tidy up your yard and bring anything inside your home or garage that could be swept away by the water, and pull your car into the garage when the storm is about to make landfall. Even just a few inches of fast-moving water can sweep away cars!

Start collecting any important documents or fragile possessions and get them to a safe location in your home. If you are choosing to evacuate, pack up all of the supplies you will need for multiple days away from your home. 

After a hurricane or flood, access to our community might be limited for a while due to the cleanup measures. If you are staying put, gather your emergency supplies and be sure you have a few days of food and water just in case. 

What to Do Afterward

Fast-moving water can be really dangerous, so don’t walk through the water that has flowed into your home. Stay on higher ground as much as you can. If you evacuated, do not come back into the community until the authorities clear the area and deem your home safe to reenter. 

Walk slowly around your home, and dress appropriately while you are moving through the wreckage. Loose boards, broken nails and soggy floors can make your home dangerous to be in. Wear sturdy boots and gloves as you assess the damage. Take pictures of all of the damage you see and then get us on the phone. 

How Flood Restoration Works

We are highly trained in different flood restoration techniques, so you can rest easy knowing that we will take care of you as quickly as we can. We will remove the standing water, detect and dry up hidden moisture, and tackle any and all repairs needed in order to give you the full recovery that you deserve. 

We truly hope you call us as soon as you are able to, as lingering water in your home can quickly lead to structural issues or even a massive mold infestation. We are available 24/7, and we will get to work right away on your restoration. 

You don’t have to recover from a flood alone. Contact SERVPRO of Sanibel/Captiva/Ft. Myers Beach right away.