Flooding has cost American taxpayers over $850 billion since 2000, accounting for one-third of natural disaster costs.
Whereas summer and spring are filled with lazy afternoons on the porch and blue skies, there are also periods of heavy rainstorms in America, which means more flooding. Although it is usually associated with areas near a body of water like rivers, flooding can also occur in areas far from water bodies.
Thus, it is essential to prepare for floods, as water can quickly overwhelm the natural drainage system and put you in awkward situations. A flood safety plan will ensure that you and your loved ones are protected during flooding. Additionally, anything of value will be kept safe.
Would you like to know how to prepare for floods? Read on this article to learn everything about the subject.
Invest in Backup Power
During floods, you are most likely to lose power. Thus, you must purchase a generator to help during a blackout.
A generator will be crucial, especially when you have critical equipment that should not go off—for instance, medical equipment. Additionally, if your home’s basement has a sump pump, you need to keep the pump running to prevent flooding.
But before purchasing a generator, you first need to consider its features. For instance, you can choose a portable or a stationary one.
Waterproof Your Basement
Do you have a basement that might need waterproofing?
Waterproofing your basement will help protect not only your valuables but also the structure of the house itself. The federal flood insurance usually doesn’t cover items stored in the basement.
Thus, you also need to ensure that water is redirected away from your home via gutters and ground slopes. You can also waterproof concrete floors, walls of your basement, and the outside walls of your house foundation.
Prepare the Rest of Your Home
Although preparing the basement for flooding is important, you should not forget to do the same for the rest of your home.
First, you need to place all the documents like passports, diver licenses, marriage documents, and property records in a waterproof safe. Before placing them, create a digital backup for every document.
Also, consider moving important objects such as shelves, furniture, and electronics to the upper floor if you have one. You can also decide to install check valves in your plumbing system to prevent the backing up of floodwater to your home drains.
Also, conduct a thorough inspection of your home and make necessary crack repairs. Additionally, consider sealing up the windows.
Create an Evacuation Plan
One of the worst times to create an evacuation plan is when the flooding starts.
Thus, you need to sit down with your family and prepare an evacuation plan. Create at least two plans, one for leaving the house and the other to stay in your home during flooding.
Draw a plan for the specific place to go, what to carry, and who to be in charge. Divide responsibilities, and consider an evacuation drill, especially if you have kids and pets.
Pack All Emergency Flood Kit
Before flooding begins, you need to prepare by packing all appropriate clothing and kits you may need during evacuation.
If you live in regions that occasionally flood, you should always have a package filled with toiletries, water, nonperishable food, medications, and other essentials you may need during that time.
If you have kids or pets, you can also consider preparing flood evacuation kits for them.
Consider a Flood Insurance Policy
You must have an insurance policy 30 days before flooding season.
Check your current insurance policy and double-check whether flooding damages are covered. The most standard homeowner insurance policy usually does not cover floods.
Suppose you live in areas prone to flood. In that case, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that homeowners purchase a flood insurance policy, which will typically cover all flood damage. Consider purchasing an insurance policy from an agency that specializes in flood insurance such as Better Flood.
Purchase Emergency Weather Radio
Floods can disrupt normal communication networks.
In those instances, you will need an emergency weather radio that can be charged using a hand crank. Such radios will provide you with the latest weather news.
Additionally, you can get weather updates from a Twitter account of a local radio or TV. However, it would be best to differentiate between flood advisory, flood watch, and flood warning.
A flood advisory is issued when minor flooding is expected to happen; thus, no serious danger or damages are expected. A flood watch is issued when all the conditions are right for flooding, while a flood warning means flooding is already occurring or about to start.
Prepare to Evacuate
Once you have the information that you should evacuate. Don’t hesitate; grab your bag and ensure your evacuation route is still open.
Follow up the weather updates on your radio as you evacuate. But, don’t drive or walk in areas with moving water. Also, avoid areas with downed power lines.
If your car is surrounded by rising water, get out quickly and move to higher ground to avoid being swept away.
Learn How to Prepare for Floods
Flooding is usually a scary event, but knowing how to prepare ahead of time can give you peace of mind. You will be able to keep your loved ones in a safe place and safeguard your valuables.
Make use of this flood preparation advice to prepare for floods. Don’t ignore flood warnings, as they can save you when in a dangerous situation.
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