5 Things You Need to Know Before and After a Flood

Julie Bitely

| 2 min read

10610841_10202630990399073_7672809841472984841_n
A Warren, Mich. street on August 11
If you’re a Metro-Detroiter, you’ve undoubtedly heard about, or experienced, the giant flooding incident that occurred a couple weeks ago. August 11 brought inches of rain to the Motor City, damage to more than 18,000 homes, and led to tons of flooding indoors and outdoors. To say the effects were staggering would be an understatement, but it was largely because the area had never experienced such a natural disaster before.
But with experience comes knowledge and though many people had no choice but to deal, a lot was learned in a few days time. Because of the incident, Michiganders now have both precautionary and follow-up steps for flash flooding. Here are a few suggestions of our own to deal with a flood, before and after it occurs:
  1. Have updated vaccinations: Whether the water you deal with is sewage or not, having your hepatitis A, hepatitis B and tetanus boosters can all keep you from contracting a disease in affected waters. Keep your vaccination routine up to date to stay safe in case of emergency.
  1. Put heirlooms and valuables in an assuredly dry place: Basements and storage spots are great places to put your extra stuff. If flooding or heavy rains are imminent though, try to make sure valuables and irreplaceable items are relocated to an assuredly dry place.
  1. Know driving precautions: When in doubt follow this simple phrase: turn around, don’t drown. If flood waters look too deep for your car, they probably are. It only takes two feet of water to carry a vehicle away, even pickups and SUVs. Get to higher ground whenever possible and if your vehicle stalls, exit immediately and use safe car exiting practices when necessary.
  1. Dispose of water and damaged items ASAP: If your home is affected by flooding or water damage, find a way to get the water out. A pump system is usually the most effective and large fans can dry wet areas after the water is gone. Then, rip up carpet and other affected surfaces. The longer the wet materials linger, the probability of developing dangerous mold is higher.
  1. Consult professionals: Be it through an insurance company or otherwise, have someone inspect your home if possible. Electrical wiring is better left to professionals, as are odor and sewage control. Mold and other water born issues are better dealt with immediately to avoid permanent damage.
Were you affected by the recent flood in Metro Detroit? What action steps are you taking for the future?
Photo credit: Laura Nelson

A Healthier Michigan is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
No Personal Healthcare Advice or Other Advice
This Web site provides general educational information on health-related issues and provides access to health-related resources for the convenience of our users. This site and its health-related information and resources are not a substitute for professional medical advice or for the care that patients receive from their physicians or other health care providers.
This site and its health-related information resources are not meant to be the practice of medicine, the practice of nursing, or to carry out any professional health care advice or service in the state where you live. Nothing in this Web site is to be used for medical or nursing diagnosis or professional treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other licensed health care provider. Always consult your health care provider before beginning any new treatment, or if you have any questions regarding a health condition. You should not disregard medical advice, or delay seeking medical advice, because of something you read in this site.