Flood Preparedness
Ways To Be Prepared
have an emergency plan in place, monitoring local weather and alerts and staying tuned to local radio stations and following instructions provided if told to evacuate.
Help protect you and your family from the effects of flooding in your area by taking steps now:
Obtain home insurance with flood coverage. Your insurer can provide you with additional steps you can take to protect your home and family.
Have an emergency plan for the entire family and conduct practice drills with your family so you all know what to do in case of an emergency and you are all prepared. In your plan, identify a room on the first floor in the center of your home with no windows as your “shelter” room and go there until the storm passes.
As part of your emergency plan, have (buy or make) an emergency kit and keep it stocked with enough items to last for at least three days. This kit should include flashlights, a portable radio, extra batteries, non-perishable food, bottled water, cash, blankets, clothing, toiletries, hand sanitizer. Replace and/or refresh items in your kit every six months.
Keep your valuables (including important insurance and other papers) in waterproof containers stored in higher locations within your home preferably in a safety deposit box/bolted safe.
Prepare your home for water ingress by sealing around basement windows and ground-level doors. Consider adding window wells and covers to windows that are near or below ground level.
Raise large appliances in the basement above the potential water level from a flood.
Know where your floor drain is and make sure nothing is covering it. Install a backwater value and test it regularly to ensure it is working.
It is recommended that sump pumps, backup pumps and an additional power supply be installed in areas at greater risk for flooding which must be tested regularly.
Check that your roof and eavestroughs are draining properly and that downspouts are directed away from your home.
Keep nearby storm drains clear of leaves, garbage, ice and other debris.
Ensure your property and landscaping is graded properly away from your home.
If you're located in a potential flood zone, move your car to higher ground or park it in your garage (against the bay door), under a carport or against the house to protect one side from flying debris. Do not park under trees, power lines or in low-lying areas.
In the event of evacuation, know your community's disaster preparedness plan and your evacuation route. Select a common meeting place or single point-of-contact for all family members. Don’t forget a plan for the evacuation of your pets.
During a flood
Listen to local radio and television stations for flood warnings and those in progress and be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
If driving during a flood, do not drive through flooded waters. Head for higher ground and be extra cautious at night when reduced visibility makes it harder to see flood danger.
After a flood
Continue to take precautions and listen to and follow directions from local authorities.
If you had to leave your home, do not return until you are advised it is safe to do so.
If you incurred damage to your home and personal property, contact your insurance company with the details.
Continue to drink your emergency supply of water until you receive official word the water is safe to drink. Boil water for other purposes before using.
Maintain good hygiene and wear protective clothing during flood cleanup by minimizing contact with floodwater or anything that may have come in contact with it. Do not use water that could be contaminated.
Discard any food items which may have been in contact with flood waters.
Do not use any appliances, heating, pressure or sewage system equipment until electrical components are dry and have been inspected by a qualified electrician.
Check with local authorities on how best to dispose of damaged items.
When driving, be aware of missing signs or non-functioning traffic lights and debris in the roads and other hazards. Ensure you have a spare tire.