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Natural Disaster
How To Prepare for a Flood
Before a Flood
Create a disaster supplies kit - This should include a portable radio, flashlight, extra batteries, first aid kit, prescription medications, food supplies, bottles of water, credit cards and cash, an extra set of car keys, map of the area and phone numbers of places to go, personal identification, and other items such as diapers and hearing aid batteries for family members who may need special items.
Develop a family disaster plan - Plan where you would go for safety if a flood required you to leave your home. Involve all family members in this planning process. Ask an out-of-state friend or family member to be your primary family contact.
Protect home heating, water and electricity systems in your home - Have your furnace, water heater and electric panel raised to higher floors or the attic by a professional if these utility systems are in a flood-prone area of the home, like the basement.
Listen to the radio or television for updated emergency information - Use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Weather Radio or a portable, battery-powered radio to get updated flood information.
Have a professional install check valves in building sewer traps - Floodwater can get backed up into the drains of your home. As a last resort, use large corks or stoppers to plug showers, tubs and basins.
Fill your bathtubs, sinks and plastic bottles with clean water - Severe floods may interrupt utility services such as water. When floods threaten, it's best to keep drains corked, but be sure to fill sinks and tubs with fresh water first.
During a Flood
Head for higher ground - It's best to do this before the situation is critical. If a flood warning has been issued, find higher ground immediately. It's extremely important to note that floodwaters can appear even when there is no rain in the immediate area.
Do not walk or drive through floodwaters - Water six inches deep is enough to knock a person over, and water less than two feet deep can sweep away a car. In fact, about 80 percent of flood-related deaths are caused by driving into floodwaters. Of the vehicle-related fatalities, 75 percent were driving sport-utility vehicles (SUVs). The larger, more buoyant tires in SUVs can cause the vehicle to float more easily than smaller vehicles with smaller tires.
Source: Home Safety Council
For more information visit the Home Safety Council Website
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