How to Prepare for a Flood

11/12/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States. In recent months, we have seen tragic and devastating flooding in southern states hit by hurricanes. This destruction happens so quickly, impacting not only property and nature, but also human life. While we cannot prevent natural disasters, we can prepare our families and properties for them. Having a plan in place and a planned evacuation route can help to minimize the impact of natural disasters. Your family should be aware of your plan, what their role is, and what to do if you become separated. Make sure you have flood insurance, particularly if you live in high-risk flood areas. Traditional homeowner’s insurance may not provide flood coverage.

Be Prepared to Remain in Your Home

If you remain in your home you need to take measures to protect your family and pets as well as the infrastructure and your belongings.

• If you remain in your home, you need to prepare all the food, water and supplies you will need for at least a week’s time.
• Follow local media for up-to-date information and heed emergency broadcasts
• Store valuables that you cannot take with you in waterproof bags or containers on the second-story level of your residence.
• Reduce the risk to your residence by unplugging and elevating utilities (such as portable heaters or air conditioners mounted close to the floor) as much as possible. For waterproof basements, be certain the sump pump is operational, clear debris from gutters and downspouts, and secure fuel tanks. Elevate or relocate furniture when possible. Make sure valuables and important documents are stored on the second story of your home.

If You Need to Depart Your Home

• Keep a “go bag” of emergency supplies at the ready that you can grab at a moment’s notice containing food, clothing and supplies for your family for a minimum of 3 days.
• Evacuate before floodwaters threaten your area
• Have a planned evacuation route and follow directions from authorities
• Do not enter flooded areas in a vehicle or on foot, as both can easily be swept away in flash floods of only a few inches of water
• Listen and follow emergency broadcast directions and alerts.

The Five Ps of Evacuation

Build your kit to depart you home with in case of emergency by considering the Five Ps of Evacuation:

1. People - and if possible, pets or other animals
2. Prescriptions along with medical equipment and devices
3. Papers or digital copies of important documents, including your identification for all family members, and insurance information.
4. Personal Needs – such as clothing, food, water, cash, digital devices, chargers and cash
5. Priceless Items –irreplaceable things such as family photos and heirlooms

Emergency Notifications

Listen to and heed all emergency notifications from the National Weather Service and local authorities. Know the difference between what they mean:

1. Flood Watch – means flooding is possible and you should be prepared to evacuate to higher ground upon short notice.
2. Flood Warning – means flooding is occurring or is imminent. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
3. Flash Flood Watch – means flash flooding is possible. You should leave or be prepared to leave on short notice.
4. Flash Flood Warning – means a flash flood is occurring or about to happen. Seek higher ground immediately.

Don’t wait until your family is in a crisis situation and facing an impending flood. Plan now, get prepared, and make sure your entire family understands the plan and the actions they may need to take to remain safe. Knowing your have prepared will help you rest easier and keep your family safe should an emergency scenario develop.

SERVPRO of Vigo County is a locally owned and operated leader in restoration and cleaning needs. so we are part of this community too. We serve local communities in the Terre Haute, Indiana, geographical location, so we are part of this community too. We have the training, equipment and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs following disasters and accidents that occur in your home and business. We offer 24-hour emergency service and are faster to any disaster. Call us today at (812) 242-9611 when you need help in getting your property back in order and looking its best. We are part of SERVPRO, a trusted leader in the restoration industry with over 1,700 franchises in the United States and Canada.