24/7 Emergency Service
SERVPRO To Paradise Valley Residents - Are You Prepared For Monsoon Season & Potential Storm Damage?
8/1/2020 (Permalink)
Storm Damage, Flooding, Monsoon Season, SERVPRO of Paradise Valley. Water Extraction & Restoration
Monsoon season is officially here and we need to be ready and prepared now more than ever. Here are some basic safety tips to ensure you and your family stay safe BEFORE disaster strikes!
PLANNING AHEAD
The best way to stay safe, avoid lightning, flash floods, and other dangerous conditions is by not being in danger in the first place. Take a minute to research the weather before heading out, this may include:
- Scan the skies overhead before leaving a safe location
- Watching current weather forecasts on TV or the internet
- Listening to weather reports on the radio
EMERGENCY SUPPLY KITS
Every family should prepare a family emergency supply kit in the event of severe weather conditions. The emergency supply kit should contain essential items such as food, water, and sturdy clothing, to sustain a family for up to three days since electric power, gas and water services may be interrupted. Some items we recommend in your kit can include:
- Three gallons of water in clean, closed containers for each person and pet
- First aid kit
- A stock of food that requires no cooking or refrigeration
- Portable and working battery-operated radio, flashlights, and extra batteries
(Candles and oil lamps are fire hazards) - Necessary medications
- Back-up power source for life support or other medical equipment that requires electricity to function
FLASH FLOOD SAFETY
More deaths each year occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm-related hazard because people underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in automobiles that are swept downstream. Some basic safety tips for flash floods are:
- If you live in a flood prone area have an evacuation plan.
- Store materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber for protection from floodwaters and to make quick repairs after a severe storm.
- Store materials above flood levels.
- Secure wanted objects to prevent them from floating away.
- Learn where to find high ground, which is safe from flooding. In a flash flood seek high ground quickly.
- Contact an insurance agent to discuss flood insurance coverage. Flood losses are not covered under normal homeowners' insurance policies. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program. Get coverage early-there is a waiting period before it takes effect.
TURN AROUND & DONT DROWN!
- Driving around barricades is illegal and dangerous.
- Do not let children play near storm drains or washes after a heavy rain.
- Avoid low-water crossings.
- Avoid camping in a wash or in the bottom of a canyon with steep side slopes.
- Be especially cautious at night. Flood dangers are much more difficult to see in the dark.
- Even a less serious urban flood can be dangerous. Driving too fast through standing water can cause a car to hydroplane. The best defense is to slow down or pull well off the road (with the lights off) for a few minutes to wait out heavy rains.
- Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast.
- Do not attempt to cross flowing streams.
- Do not camp or park a vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
- If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc.
- Roadbeds may be washed out under floodwaters. Never drive through flooded roadways.
- If your vehicle is suddenly caught in rising water, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
- If a traffic signal is out, treat the intersection as a 4-way stop.
- As little as ten inches of water can float average-sized cars, mini-vans, SUVs and trucks. Strength of the flow is the critical force.
If you only take away ONE thing, please remember:
When in doubt, wait it out, or find a safer route!
For more information on Monsoon Season, safety tips/tricks and preparedness, please visit: