Floods – 3 Steps to Prepare

flooding of houses in neighborhood

Flooding is America’s #1 Natural Disaster

 

According to the U.S. government everyone lives in a flood zone and consumers must prepare for a flooding no matter where they live. The Northeast and Gulf Coast regions are affected by hurricanes or tropical storms from May to November or as a result of Nor’easter storms . The Midwest region can experience major river flooding that can compromise levies and dams. The west coast experiences yearly intense flooding from November to March from tropical storms, or hurricanes or other severe storms originating in the Pacific Ocean. Some areas of the desert southwest can experience flash flooding without much prior notice washing out roads and leaving debris as fast moving water moves to lower elevations.

 

The most common causes of flooding are Hurricanes, winter storms, localized severe thunderstorms, rapid snow melts, cresting rivers, backed-up storm drains, and saturated ground.

 

Over the last 30 years, U.S. floods have caused on average $8.2 billion in damages annually, according to the USGS.

 

Most homeowners do not realize that home owner’s insurance usually does NOT cover flood damage. If you live in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) or high-risk area and have a federally backed mortgage, your mortgage lender will require you to have flood insurance. In high-risk areas, a home is more likely to be damaged by a flood than by a fire.

 

A few inches of water could potentially cause thousands of dollars in damage. It may seem hard to believe but a car could be carried away in just two feed of floodwater. It is not uncommon for flash floods to send a wall of water 10 to 20 feet high that is strong enough to carry away property and send debris considerable distances. Flash floods can be re result of sudden thunderstorms which can occur nearby or many miles away from the origin. These are particularly dangerous in flat areas, canyons, and desert terrains.

 

Being prepared for a flood can not only help keep your family safe, it can also help reduce the potential for flooding and accelerate recovery efforts. Here are three simple steps that can help you prepare before a flood:

 

  • Develop a Family Emergency Plan
  • Create an Emergency Kit with sufficient drinking water, canned foods, first aid, blankets, a radio, and a flashlight
  • Teach children how to use 911, and keep emergency phone numbers near a phone or memorized on your cell phone.
  • Have an out of state emergency contact, make sure they know they will be helping you coordinate in an emergency.
  • Make a plan to protect your pets.

 

  • Safeguard your Belongings
  • Copy of your Insurance Policies with agent contact information
  • Household inventory list – written, video or photograph record of major household items and valuables, including basements, garages, and attics. Have jewelry and artwork appraised
  • Copies of critical documents, financial records, receipts of major purchases

 

  • Prepare your House
  • Install and maintain a sump pump with battery operated backup. Install a water alarm if water is accumulating in the basement of crawl space.
  • Keep gutters and downspouts clear of debris
  • Anchor any fuel tanks
  • Raise electrical components (switches, sockets, Circuit Breakers, and wiring) at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.
  • Place furnace, water heater, washer, and dryer on block at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.
  • Move furniture, valuables, and important documents to a safe place.

 

Source: FEMA, NOAA

 

www.prepandbeready.com

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