Many homeowners may think they will seldom (if ever) need a water mitigation specialist in their house.  It seems flooding hits other parts of Missouri, the east coast, the west coast and the Gulf Coast, but not us. 

However, studies show Missouri homeowners are prone to suffer water damage in their home at least once every 50 years.  Fifty years may seem like a long time, yet flooding is unpredictable and it often surprises us.  As a water mitigation specialist, I have seen how daily life can be quickly changed by the sudden rise of waters, or structural malfunctions in a home or business water system.

This year alone, Woodard has helped with water mitigation in several cities throughout the country, such as Metropolis (IL), Chicago, North St. Louis, and recently New Jersey in the aftermath of hurricane Irene.  When we talk to homeowners, we usually hear the same phrase, “We cannot believe this happened to us.”

Due to the surge in flooding this year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has published an online book with instructions and tips on what to do in case of a flood. Here are a few of the tips (go to www.fema.gov for the full list), and remember to call Woodard for any of your water mitigation needs…

- Turn off your electricity when you return home.  Also realize that some appliances, such as televisions, store energy and can shock you even after they have been unplugged. Don’t use appliances or motors that have gotten wet unless they have been checked out by a professional.

- Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris, including broken glass and other sharp objects. Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very slippery.

- Be alert for gas leaks.  Don’t smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames unless you are sure that the gas has been turned off and the area has been aired out.

- Only use a generator and other gasoline-powered machines outdoors. The same goes for camping stoves. Fumes from charcoal are especially deadly; only cook with charcoal outdoors. Carbon monoxide kills.

- Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Floodwaters pick up sewage and chemicals from roads, farms, factories, and storage buildings. Spoiled food and flooded cosmetics and medicines are health hazards. When in doubt, throw them out.

By Jim Feltz, Operations Manager, Water Restoration