Flood Disaster Preparedness
Before a flood
- Prepare an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
- Avoid building in floodplains unless the structure is elevated and reinforced.
- Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel.
- Consider installing “check valves” to prevent floodwater backups.
- Construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.
Prepare your home
If flooding is predicted in your area, make your safety a priority. If it is safe to do, prepare your property for potential flooding:
- Secure hazardous items in your home, like paint, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides.
- Roll up rugs, move furniture, electrical items and valuables to a higher level if possible.
- Place important personal documents, valuables, and vital medical supplies in a waterproof case in an accessible location.
- If you are evacuating your home, please take your pets with you if possible.
Driving tips
- Six inches of water will stall or cause control issues in most passenger vehicles.
- A foot of water will float many passenger vehicles.
- Two feet of rushing water can carry away most passenger vehicles including SUVs and pick-ups.
- Never attempt to drive through a flooded road. Depth is not always obvious and the roadbed may be washed away under the surface.
- Do not drive around barricades.
- Stick to designated evacuation routes and do not try to take short cuts..
- Avoid driving at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
Are you interested in flood insurance?
Flood insurance is designed to restore your property to its pre-disaster condition. There’s no better way to protect the life you’ve built. If you're interested in flood insurance, let us know by clicking the button below. We will be happy to discuss your options with you.