When the Rain Comes Pouring In... | SERVPRO of Allen
9/18/2023 (Permalink)
A soft and gentle rainfall in the late summer or early fall can be relaxing and much-needed at this time of year. Rain has a way of calming everything down and refreshing our community!
However, not all rain is light and idyllic. Sometimes it can wash over the area in intense waves, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and even hail. While our homes are strong enough to withstand moderate storm conditions, sometimes the rain can fall fast enough that our homes can’t keep up and the rain comes leaking into our homes.
Our SERVPRO® of Allen team wants you to stay as safe as possible during severe storm situations like this, so we offer some tips for taking quick action and seeking shelter below.
If rain falls hard and fast, it can cause all kinds of problems for our area. Flash flooding conditions can appear if rivers overflow or roads can’t drain fast enough, which can make travel impossible or treacherous.
It can also cause ground issues if the water is moving fast enough. Landslides can sweep away trees, plants, cars and even houses. Since we live in the aptly named “Flash Flood Alley,” we know how quickly rain can turn into a major issue. We could easily get three to six inches of rain in a short amount of time when the clouds open up.
While this act of Mother Nature is not preventable, preparing in advance can help you avoid certain situations and severe damage. Stay connected to local authorities, and take action immediately if a flash flood warning is issued or intense rainfall is expected.
Preparing your home and family should always be your top priority. If you are out and about, head for your house right away and avoid any low-lying areas, drainage ditches or any roads that you know flood easily during storms. Get whatever you can into your house or garage that you don’t want swept away by the water, including your cars, lawn equipment and outdoor furniture.
Get anything fragile or sentimental off of the first level of your home and move it upstairs and consider shutting off the electricity for your lower level just in case the water starts to flow in. If that happens while you are home, stay calm and stay above the water line. Remain in a safe location until the water stops rushing in. Move carefully through your home and avoid walking through the water and call us for a complete restoration.
We know that weather can be unpredictable, which is why it is impossible to plan for every scenario. After you have recovered from this particular flooding incident, consider taking measures to prevent this from happening again! Start with getting a professional opinion about your property and whether you would benefit from getting it professionally graded. This can help water flow down and away from your foundation, even if it becomes heavy at times.
Another helpful investment is a sump pump! If your home is in a low-lying area, having a sump pump is crucial during intense rain storms. Sump pumps work to remove water from around your foundation to keep it from leaking down your walls and ruining your walls, floors and ceilings.
Remember that we are always here if you need assistance recovering from water damage. Our SERVPRO water damage restoration specialists will help dry out the excess moisture, repair whatever was damaged and sanitize your space to prevent mold growth.
We are here for all of your water disasters. Contact us day or night for a quick recovery.