From Monday to Wednesday, central U.S. cities witnessed massive rain storms, receiving a month’s worth of rain within 48 hours. Cities in Texas, Michigan, Oklahoma, and everywhere between are experiencing flooding as rivers rise. Reaching major flood levels will be an easy feat for some rivers. Indiana towns, Elkhart and Goshen, were hit hard, declaring a state of emergency, forcing citizens to evacuate.
If you have to abandon your home and car to escape the dangerous floods, what should you do once you return home?
Cars:
- If water reached halfway up the wheels, do not start the car! Check the air filter or dipstick, or if the oil level is high, to give you an idea if water is in your engine. If the engine got water inside of it, starting your car can damage it beyond repair. Instead, have your car taken to a mechanic.
- If water did not reach this high, your car should be a-ok.
Home:
- When returning to a flooded home, take precaution! Before entering a home, look for visible structural damage and go with your gut if you suspect damage to water, gas, electric, and sewer lines — contact local utility companies.
- Floods push in dangerous and hazardous material, be sure to have the proper gear when entering the home — wear waders, hip or waist-high waterproof boots, and rubber gloves.
- Do not clear the house of debris or water and do not fix any damages sustained. First, document the damage by taking photos. These will be helpful when talking to your insurance company.
- Where homes are in a government declared “disaster area”, property owners may have access to financial assistance and other resources. In addition, your insurance company or FEMA might have additional information on this.
- After your insurer approves, immediately remove wet contents, such as carpeting and bedding, as mold can develop within 24 to 48 hours, and remove water by using a sump pump and a wet vac. Lastly, open doors and windows to circulate fresh air through the house.
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Reference:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/weather/2018/02/22/3-dead-heavy-rain-floods-central-u-s/362424002/
https://www.houselogic.com/finances-taxes/home-insurance/what-do-first-24-hours-after-flood/