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How to Prepare for a Flood
9/18/2015 (Permalink)
Floods can happen at anytime, anywhere, and to anyone. Don’t wait until a catastrophe hits. Now is the best time to get prepared. A little preparation can go a long way.
Here are a few basic tips that will help your family and home weather the storm.
Things You Need To Know
The first step is to find out what your flood risk is. You can enter your address at www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/flooding_flood_risks/defining_ flood_risks.jsp to find this information.
Know your community’s local flood evacuation routes. You will want to identify several escape routes in case roads are blocked. If you will need a place to go, find out where the closest shelter is to your area and ask now if they can accommodate your pets.
Learn the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning. Flood Watch means that flooding is a possibility. Flood Warning means a flood will occur soon so be prepared.
How To Prepare Before A Flood
Create a weather plan. Include phone numbers of your emergency contacts. Decide where you will go if an evacuation is necessary. Don’t forget to inform your family members of your plan.
Make an emergency kit. Have it ready to grab quickly in case you need to evacuate. Be sure to have enough nonperishable food and water for 3-7 days. Don’t forget batteries, flashlights, a can opener, windup radio, phones and chargers, cash, medicine, and a first aid kit. Visit www.ready.gov/build-a-kit for a more detailed emergency supply list. Make a list of other essential items that you need in case of evacuation and keep it with your emergency kit. Be prepared to grab these items quickly before leaving.
Consider buying flood insurance to protect your property. A separate policy is needed if you are at risk of flooding, because homeowner’s insurance policies do not typically cover flood losses.
Protect your property from flood damage by keeping gutters and drains free of debris. It is also advisable to elevate critical utilities, such as electrical panels, switches, sockets, wiring, appliances, and heating systems. If you have a basement that tends to flood, waterproof it and install a sump pump with battery backup.
When A Flood Is Imminent
Monitor weather reports and be prepared to evacuate if advised to do so. Disconnect any appliances in your home and power off the main switches and/or valves. Bring in outside furniture and move items you want to protect to a higher floor.
Construct a flood wall to stop water from infiltrating your home. Take advantage of the sand bags offered in many communities when flooding is expected.
For more detailed and helpful tips try the following resources.
http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4340128_Flood.pdf
SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is here to help. Should your home or business experience a water emergency please call us at (570) 235-1646.