Flood Safety Tips

When you move to a new area, find out if you are in a flood zone for either a river, lake, or dam/reservoir. If you are, take the extra step to purchase flood insurance.

Be weary of flash flooding. Take the time to learn what causes this kind of disaster and if you are in an area that is prone to it happening.

If you are driving and you come to an area where there is high water on the road, do not attempt to cross it. You have no way of knowing how deep it is or how fast the water is moving.

If your area is under a flood watch, have an evacuation plan that allows you and your family to get to higher ground. Practice this plan with your family so that everyone knows what to do.

Make sure that you purchase Flood Insurance. Most people are unaware that their homeowner's policy does not cover damage from flooding. The policy becomes active after a 5 day processing period. Renters can also gain protection from flooding from their insurance. Be sure to call your agent to check if you have it and, if not, how you can get it.

If you have enough pre-warning that a flood might be coming due to inclement weather, you can move your furniture to "higher ground". This can mean moving the furniture upstairs or even putting it up on concrete blocks to protect it from the water. If the flood is expected to be severe, even moving it upstairs may not help as some houses can be flooded to the roof top. However, if it’s only expected to be a minor flood and time permits, this is a great way to save your belongings from water damage.

In the event of potential flooding, in addition to having an evacuation plan ready if need be, also make sure you have plenty of provisions in case evacuating is not practical and you are forced to "ride out" the storm. It is a good idea to have a gasoline-powered generator and plenty of canned foods and drinking water at hand.

If you are a pet owner, make sure you have an emergency plan ready for your pets as well. Try to find out before-hand if your areas that have been designated as evacuation shelters allow pets. If they do allow pets, make sure you have pet carriers and plenty of food and water on-hand for them. If they do not allow pets, contact your local Red Cross or Humane Society for further information concerning what to do to protect your pets in this type of emergency situation.

During storms where there are flood warnings or flood watches, make sure you pay attention to either the tv or the radio for information. The best one to listen to is NOAA but your local weather and news channel is good as well.

During a flood, stay away from electrical wires and power lines. Electrical current can easily travel through water and is a major killer during floods.