Flood Preparation | Plumber Fort Worth

A growing number of meteorologists are predicting higher than average amounts of rainfall in Texas and other parts of the southern U.S. this winter. A number of homes have already been damaged due to the recent floods, and it’s essential to plan ahead with flood preparation and for all family members to know what to do in the event of flooding. The following tips, along with the services of a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth can assist you to prepare your home and family for a flood:

Things to Do Now

Assemble an emergency preparedness kit with everything needed for at least three days, including: 

• Water – one gallon per person, per day for at least three days 
• Food – non-perishable, easy to prepare food for three or more days 
• Flashlight – ensure you have fresh batteries 
• A portable radio
• First Aid kit – inspect the kit every three months to ensure items are not expired or missing
• Medications – a seven day supply 
• Sanitation and personal hygiene products
• Copies of personal documents including emergency contact information, medication list and medical information, bank account information, deed to home, birth certificates, personal ID, insurance policies including medical, home, health, life, burial, and phone numbers for your electrician, HVAC technician, and your plumber in Fort Worth
• Cell phones with chargers
• Emergency blanket
• Extra cash
• Supplies for infants – diapers, formula, baby food, baby wipes
• Pet supplies – food, carrier, bowl, leash, collar, ID tag
• Extra clothing 
• Rain gear 
• Insect repellant and sunscreen 
• Resealable plastic bags for protecting medication and papers from moisture

Create a plan, including how you will contact one another and where you will meet. Flooding or other disasters can cause cell phone service to be interrupted, and should not be relied upon to decide where to gather. 

• Consider coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program to reduce your loss. The average homeowner’s insurance policy doesn’t include coverage due to flood damage. 
• Have a detailed list and photographs of your home’s contents, along with receipts for the items when possible. Insurance companies typically require it before they will pay for any contents. Copies on a disc with a friend or family member may end up being your only proof. This will also be useful in the event of fire or other catastrophic events.

Stay Informed

Remain aware of developing conditions, and monitor for the latest information. Floods can develop quickly, and become life threatening in seconds. 

Contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth for sump pump installation, with a battery powered backup. In addition, consider having your plumber in Fort Worth install a backflow valve on the sewer pipe. Sewer systems may be overwhelmed by rising flood water, resulting in the backup of sewer contents in your home. 

Before the flood arrives, move electronics, and important items to the highest floor of your home. Be prepared to shut off your home’s electricity and gas. 

Don’t use any electrical appliances or equipment if they’ve been in water, and don’t touch any cords, plugs or outlets in an area with standing water. Furthermore, do not enter any flooded area of your home unless you know for a fact the power is off. Do not enter flooded waters to shut off the electricity. Remember electricity, and water pose a risk of shock and electrocution.

After the Flood

• Take photographs and detailed notes to document damage of your home, and contact your insurance company as soon as possible. 
• Use sump pumps to remove any standing water from your home. 
• Have a professional plumber in Fort Worth evaluate your gas connections, pilots, water heater and drains before attempting to use them. 
• Have an electrician evaluate your home’s wiring, outlets, switches and service before attempting to restore power.
• If you have a septic tank, have a professional inspect it, after severe flooding occurs.
• Have an HVAC technician evaluate the home’s heating and air conditioning system and ductwork before attempting to use the system.
• Air out your home by opening doors and windows throughout the affected area, and place fans (and heaters if flooding is during the winter) to speed drying. Quick attention may prevent the formation of mold and mildew. Wet dry walls will require replacement of the wet area, with fans blowing into the space to dry the inside of walls and prevent mold and mildew. For a fast cleanup before mold can occur, consider contacting a flood remediation specialist.

We hope you found these tips for flood preparationuseful. Contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth for plumbing repair, plumbing installation, or other plumbing services. A Benjamin Franklin licensed, professional plumber in Fort Worth offers quality you can rely on, backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. We serve Fort Worth, Arlington and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.