SERVPRO’s ERP Preps Dallas for Flooding

5/1/2022 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO provide preventative and restorative assistance regarding Dallas area flooding. Ask us about our ERP.

Recommended Steps to Take Before a Dallas Storm

Once you have obtained flood insurance, there are many things you can do to lessen any losses in your home and make sure your family stays safe in the event of a flood.

Safeguarding Your Possessions

You will want a personal flood file with information on every possession you own in case of flood damage to your Dallas home. Place valuable documents in a waterproof container. This file should have:

• Copies of your insurance policies, including contact information for your agents.
• An inventory for your household with written and visual records, such as a videotape or photographs. It should include all significant valuables and household items. Create files that have serial numbers and store receipts for major electronics and appliances. Get artwork and jewelry appraised. These documents will be critically important when filing insurance claims.
• Copies of any other critical documents, like receipts of major purchases and finance records.
• It is not a bad idea to have information on a reputable flood damage restoration company, such as SERVPRO, in these files.

Getting Your Home Ready

Ensure your sump pump works properly and install a battery-operated backup in case the power fails. Putting in a water alarm will let you know if water is accumulating in the basement. Clean out downspouts and gutters of debris and anchor any fuel tanks.

You will also want to raise your electrical components such as sockets, switches, wiring, and circuit breakers at least twelve inches over your home’s projected flood elevation. Put the water heater, furnace, dryer, and washer on cement blocks at least twelve inches over the projected flood elevation. Then move your valuables, furniture, and essential documents to a safe place.

Make a Family Emergency Plan

Make up a safety kit with canned food, drinking water, blankets, first aid, a flashlight, and a radio. Put up emergency telephone numbers on the phone and teach your children to dial 911. Create and act out a flood evacuation route with your family. Ensure everyone knows safe routes from work, home, and school. It is a good idea to ask a relative out-of-state to be your emergency contact and ensure that your pets will be safe.

Another perfect thing is the ERP, or Emergency Ready Profile, an app from SERVPRO. This application will store property details like utility shut-off locations, damage photos, key contacts, local weather, etc. It is the perfect thing to have to speed up response time after flood damage.

Being prepared for a flood is one thing but going through one is another. If you and your family have suffered through one, you must reach us at SERVPRO of Southeast Dallas County at (972) 227-0800.