Tips to Prepare for Floods

Heavy rain over a prolonged period of time is the primary cause of floods in most areas.

However, rising water can also occur during early Spring when the Winter snow begins to melt, or as a result of damage to a dam or levy used to contain a lake, river or other body of water.

Water is very powerful, can cause a lot of damage and can even create serious danger. The closer you live to a body of water, the higher your risk of water damage will be.

With the right knowledge, some prior planning and the proper precautions you can minimize or even prevent water damage to your home and personal belongings and keep your family safe. Knowing how to prepare begins with understanding the terminology and the level of risk.

Definitions

Know these terms and the level of risk associated with each of them. Take the proper precautions when necessary. Be knowledgeable and prepared.

A Coastal Flood occurs when weather conditions cause ocean water to rise high enough that it spills out onto the land.

A Flash Flood occurs very quickly and without much notice, typically when rain is heavy enough to collect in a small, calm body of water causing the water to take on a strong current. They are extremely dangerous because they move very quickly and with a lot of force.

A River Flood occurs when heavy rainfall causes river waters to rise high enough to spill out onto the river banks.

An Urban Flood occurs in urban areas such as neighborhood streets and parking lots. Typically caused by heavy rainfall, they back-up sewer systems which can result in the accumulation of sewer water in basements.

Watches and Warnings

When the weather conditions pose the threat of water damage pay close attention to local weather reports. Here are some of the terms you may hear:

When a flood watch is issued it means that water damage in your area is possible. Stay tuned to local weather forecasts and begin to think about preparation.

When flood warnings are issued water damage has either already begun or the threat is so severe that you should begin preparations immediately.

When a flash flood watch is issued, pay careful attention to weather reports and begin to take proper precautions.

When a flash flood warning is issued fast and immediate action is required. Take all proper precautions quickly and get to safety.

Plan Ahead

Prior planning is critical when it comes to emergency situations. The less thinking and planning you have to do in the midst of danger, the quicker you can take the necessary precautions, protect your home and get out of harm's way. Here are some things you should think about now so you will be prepared when you need to be:

• Check with your insurance company to find out about the proper insurance, especially if you live in a high risk area.

• Have sandbags on hand and easily accessible. If it is not possible for you to store them at your home, contact your local government to learn about their disaster plan. Determine how you can acquire sandbags quickly when the need arises.

• Plan ahead of time where you will evacuate to. The higher the ground the better. Make sure each member of your family is aware of the evacuation route.

• Plan your evacuation route with a couple of alternate routes in case of road closures.

• Prepare an evacuation kit that you can grab easily on your way out the door. Your kit should include a road map, important telephone numbers, all of your vital records, your home emergency kit, and a list of clothing items, bedding, toiletries, medications and any other daily living necessities that you can pull together quickly.

• Decide upon an out-of-state family member who will be in charge of keeping track of your whereabouts. Contact that family member immediately upon your decision to evacuate and keep in touch periodically until you reach your final destination.

Safety Precautions

It is always a good idea to create a checklist of tasks necessary to prepare for an emergency situation. That way, you don't have to think and you minimize the risk of panic. Simply grab your list and start taking action. Here are some simple things you can do to try to protect your home from water damage:

• Place sandbags to block the flow of water toward your home.

• Move your belongings to the highest level of your home.

• Make sure your car's gas tank is filled and be ready to evacuate.

• Turn off all of your utilities with the main power switch.

• If your car stalls in high levels of water as you are trying to evacuate, abandon it and find the quickest way to higher ground by foot.

Plan ahead and be prepared to protect yourself, your family and your home.