Preparing a Home or Building to Mitigate Flood Damage

Floods cause billions of dollars in property damage each year. This is due to the fact that there are millions of Americans that live in areas that are prone to flooding due to heavy rains, overflowing rivers, as well as hurricanes and tropical storms.

For those that may encounter floodwaters, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created the infographic Be Ready! Floods. The agency also provides the following suggestions to prepare a home for a potential flood: 

• Make sure to secure or protect any hazards in the home before the flood strikes.
• Be prepared to turn off electrical power when there is standing water, fallen power lines, or before evacuating. Also turn off gas and water supplies before evacuating and secure structurally unstable building materials.
• Buy a fire extinguisher if there isn’t already one in the home. Make sure the family knows where it is and how to use it.
• Buy and install sump pumps with back-up power.
• Have a licensed electrician raise electric components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring) at least 12″ above the home’s projected flood elevation.
• For drains, toilets, and other sewer connections, install backflow valves or plugs to prevent floodwaters from entering.
• Anchor fuel tanks which can contaminate the basement if torn free. An unanchored tank outside can be swept downstream and damage other houses.
• Bring outdoor possessions, such as lawn furniture, grills, and trash cans inside or tie them down securely.

“The CDC’s tips can help, but for those that suffer flooding, be aware of potential environmental hazards you will likely encounter when the water recedes,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Water damage or excessive humidity allows for mold growth in as short as 48 hours. It’s also common for floodwaters to contain sewage and chemicals that get brought into the home or building. Even cleanup and repair activities could aerosolize lead-based paints and asbestos-containing materials if the proper safety precautions aren’t followed.”

Helping property owners, facility managers, and renters identify exposure risks to mold, lead, asbestos, sewage, chemicals, and many other potential dangers associated with flood damage are the scientists at EMSL Analytical, Inc. With laboratories across the United States and Canada, EMSL offers laboratory testing services, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, building inspection tools, air monitoring instruments, and personal protective equipment (PPE). They have even sponsored an educational video discussing the CDC’s flood preparation suggestions that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/b5PwYehgQAs.

To learn more about indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing or other building science, industrial hygiene, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email  info@EMSL.com . For access to IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail