Top Tips for Recovering From a Flood | SERVPRO of Downtown Chicago/West Loop/Bucktown/Greektown
5/14/2024 (Permalink)
![Water from Lake Michigan Flooding the Lakefront Trail in Chicago](/FranchiseContent/NewsPhotos/10308-f7510a03-a3a3-4688-bf97-2f7ac54b2827.jpeg)
While we can all appreciate a little rain from time to time, a lot of it in a short amount of time can overwhelm the Chicago community and can quickly lead to flooding concerns. Hot and muggy summers can lead to storms that fire up in the afternoon and evening, causing intense waves of rain to fall all over the area.
Our community can quickly become overwhelmed with rain, and that can lead to it running down our streets and causing flash flood concerns.
Knowing what to do before, during and after a potential flood can help you navigate the entire situation with more confidence, and it can actually help you avoid more serious damage.
Focus on Your Safety
Flash flood warnings can be issued during most of the year, but especially from spring to mid-summer. If a strong storm is forecast or a flash flood watch is issued, you should start preparing your home and family right away. Fast-moving water can quickly infiltrate your neighborhood, and even just six inches of fast-moving water is enough to knock you off your feet.
Stay home and start preparing your property for the rain. Secure any outdoor furniture, grills or other heavy equipment that cannot be moved inside, move valuable possessions out of the lowest level of your home, and consider turning off electricity to that lowest level if your home has been known to flood before. After that, sit tight and stay above the water line if water does start rushing in.
Navigating Your Home Post-Flood
Once the water has stopped flowing in, use extreme caution when moving about your home. Floodwater can cause serious damage to your walls and floors and compromise your living spaces. Avoid walking through the water, as it could be contaminated with storm runoff, chemicals or sharp debris that could be dangerous to your health.
Take photos of any damage you notice right away, but you should also just take pictures of the scene itself. These fresh images can help your insurance company file the most accurate claim for you. Once those are taken, get us on the phone!
Recovering From a Flood
Our flood restoration team will jump right into action to help dry out your home and address your repairs. The longer standing water sits on your floors, the worse your damage can become. This can even lead to structural integrity issues and also mold infestations. Our team is dedicated to your recovery from start to finish.
We will expertly remove the water with our blowers and industry-leading drying equipment and then we will repair any ruined walls, floors or ceilings. Our goal is to return your home to its pre-flood condition as quickly and as efficiently as possible.
Suffered a flood? SERVPRO of West Loop/Bucktown/Greektown is here to help you recover.