From flash flooding to septic backups, water damage is no laughing matter. As media reports of deaths pile in, Douglasville residents prepare for a possible deluge by creating a checklist designed to keep local households safe and sound.

Keep Emergency Numbers Handy – Police, fire, utilities and emergency services are essential but don’t stop there; insurance agents, water damage extraction services and other physician numbers are just as important in the days after a flood.

Take Photographs in Advance – It is always a good idea to plan in advance by taking photographs of your home and personal property before damage has occurred. Unfortunately, as thousands of residents throughout Georgia are discovering, water damage can make it difficult to identify the condition of items prior to the flood.

Plan for Outages – Rising flood waters can impact more than just property in low lying areas; traffic lights, electric utilities and even water supply is often disrupted or unreliable. Whenever possible, keep travel to a minimum and restrict it to necessary outings only. It is also a good idea to keep basic emergency equipment on hand including lights, fresh water supply and alternative sources of energy in case of utility outages. In the event your property is impacted by flood damage, immediately shut-down electricity to the affected area to avoid the risk of electrocution or shock.

When in Doubt Toss it Out – Carpeting, furniture and even drywall can begin to grow mold and mildew in as little as 24-48 hours after being immersed in water so it is essential to begin cleaning as soon as possible. Contact a professional water damage and flood recovery provider with 24/7 support. To save time and money, be prepared by creating a checklist of all work that will be required at your home including water extraction, content drying or temporary storage, carpet cleaning, wood floor correction due to water damage, air duct cleaning to remove mold spores, upholstery cleaning for water damaged furniture and removal of contaminated waste.