Preparing For A Flood

We may not be able to forecast every facet of every calamity, but we do know two indisputable facts: For starters, if you were in a flood-prone location, you'll want to be prepared in case it happens again. Two, you'll be reminding your friends in other towns how vital it is to be prepared, and you'll need some ideas to share.

Situational Awareness

Let's take a look at four areas:

1. Determine whether or not you are in a flood zone. Flood maps are now available at Fema Flood Maps , Flood Factor, or Flood Smart.

2. Purchase a Weather Alert Radio that has been approved by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Emergency Alert System employs weather alert radios to transmit other emergency information in addition to keeping you up to date on the weather.

3. Even if you don't live in a flood plain or near a waterway, when storm drains are clogged, isolated areas might flood.

4. Purchase a basement flooding monitor. They're small gizmos that sit on the floor and sound an alarm when water is present. They're available at almost any hardware shop. This will notify you whether there is water in the house or if your water heater has burst, among other things.

Know What You Need to Safeguard

• People and pets come first, but if you have time, you'll want to protect some belongings as a flood builds. So take a look around and decide what's worth preserving. Next, consider how you'll complete the assignment
• Make a list of everything you own. Take pictures of everything you own and keep all of your receipts. You'll need to prove loss regardless of the type of insurance you have.
• Vehicles are vital, and most families now have multiples. When flooding is expected, park one vehicle on higher ground to save time. This is referred to as "docking" in flood-prone areas.

Prepare to flee the area

• Don't think that just because there's a trickle of water today, a flood will build slowly. For a reason, the phrase "flash flood" was coined. Make sure you can get out of your house and out of the neighborhood.
• In the event of a flood, you'd instinctively seek higher ground, which could be only a few houses away. Case flooding is expected, one thing you may do ahead of time is attach a rope "railing" from your escape door to a neighbor's tree so you have something to hold on to if water levels rise quicker than you expected. 
• Turn off the power at your breaker box before leaving your residence, but only if you're standing on a dry floor. The power should be turned off so that rising water does not short out your wiring and cause your home to burn down.
• Do not drive if the road is already flooded. Try to find a high and dry area where you are and stay there. A automobile can be pushed off the road by six inches of rushing water.

Financial Protection

• Flood insurance is recommended if you live in an area where flooding is a possibility. However, there are two things you should do. One, even if you've been making consistent payments, have an inspector evaluate your property now to ensure the coverage is still valid. Two, make a list of all your possessions presently, as well as any losses you may have. When cleaning up damaged property, wait until an insurance adjuster has inspected it before throwing anything away. At the very least, photograph and/or video all of the stuff you'll be throwing away, and keep all repair receipts to prove your loss.
• Flood damage necessitates dealing with service providers. Make a list of companies you could need in the event of a flood right now, and preserve their contact information with your emergency paperwork. If none are accessible, thoroughly investigate any new businesses before allowing them to work on your home.