With ongoing droughts and mostly dry, hot weather, New Mexico is primarily a desert—but that doesn’t mean flooding can’t occur. From flash floods during monsoon season to snow storms in the winter, The Land of Enchantment occasionally receives moisture, and though rare, can cause flooding. Beyond natural causes, many buildings can also be flooded due to an internal utility issue, such as a busted water pipe or leaky valve.

Either way—it’s important to know how to react if your home or business were to be flooded!

When a flood occurs, there’s a lot at risk. Quick, efficient action is key to not only saving the property itself, but also protecting your family or staff, their health, and ensuring a legitimate insurance case. Below, we provide steps you should follow and how our water damage team in Albuquerque can help you afterwards!

1. Find the source and stop it.
If the flood is not caused by extreme weather and is instead the result of a plumbing failure, you must stop the flooding at its source. This can be as simple as turning off a water valve, but may also require you to seal off a pipe or opening. Knowing where the water sources are in your home or business is important, so that you can easily find the source and stop it if a flood were to occur.

2. Carefully turn off the electricity.
After stopping the water, turning off the electricity should be the next step. Exercising extreme caution while doing this is extremely important, and if possible, should only be done by one person while the others evacuate. If the fuse box is wet or you have to walk through water to reach it, don’t attempt to turn it off, and instead, call an electrician.

3. Evacuate the premises.
When a flood occurs, the health and safety of everyone within the building is at risk, so ensuring a safe and efficient evacuation is key. Have your family or staff wait outside of the building and at a safe distance. Having and practicing an evacuation plan before an emergency will help you effectively execute one.

4. Call Archuleta Restoration and Remodel.
The final and most important step is getting professional water damage and drying services from Archuleta Restoration and Remodel. From water extractors and dehumidifiers to environmentally safe practices that prevent secondary damage, our team is equipped with the latest equipment and methods to bring your property back to its pre-flood state. Our flood mitigation services are available 24/7 and we’re proud to serve New Mexicans across the state, from Santa Fe and Albuquerque to Rio Rancho, Las Cruces, and beyond.

When a flood occurs, don’t delay—call Archuleta Restoration and Remodel right away at (505) 473-2848!