If you believe there is a chance of a flood in your area, now is the time to prepare! If the freezing temperatures last week in Texas displayed anything it is that no matter where we live we are susceptible to the elements. Your home on the hill is as likely to flood as their home was likely to freeze. While it was unlikely, it occurred.
What Can You Do To Prepare For A Flood?
When you know a flood is likely to occur what can you do? Whether a hurricane is blowing in, the winter snow melt and spring rain meets, or it has simply been raining continuously to raise floodwaters. Knowing is the first step, now it is time to take action and protect your home.
1. Know There Is A Flood
It may sound silly, but having sources that will update you of potential floods is so important. If you do not know a flood is coming, you cannot prepare. There are always local news stations that can help indicate if a flood is likely or your local government. If you are living in a flood zone you should subscribe to these news sources.ย
2. Prepare Your Home For The Flood
There are so many things you can do to protect your home from floodwaters. The recommendations we are providing are if you want to do almost everything possible. Letโs start with what you can do inside of your home. Clean out your basement. If you expect extreme flooding, empty out your basement completely so the flooding cannot damage anything in your basement. If you expect it to reach your fist floor try to elevate your furniture. Placing furniture on wood blocks can help keep your belongings from being damaged by floodwaters.
If your home has experienced the first floor being flooded entirely, you should have an escape plan and be set up to survive on the second floor of your home for a decent amount of time. After the flood waters leave, you still wonโt be able to live or function as you once had on the flooded first floor. There are structural risks, electrical issues and large scale work that must be done to make your home livable again.
If you are in a flood zone and simply being proactive in protecting your home you should consider moving the basement electrical system higher or to the first floor. You can also waterproof your basement. While this is expensive, it can help protect your home from a large amount of damage and future costs.
If you expect minimal flooding, you can elect to simply raise everything off the basement floor.ย
3. What To Buy Before A Flood
There are a few things you should purchase in preparation for a flood. Having these will help keep you and your family safe and prepared.
- Food: Purchasing food that will last a long time, not require refrigeration or cooking will help your family when you lose electricity for an extended amount of time.
- Sandbags: If you know where the water typically enters your home you can try to redirect the floodwaters around your home and protect it.
- Emergency Kit: Make sure your flood emergency kit is ready for the upcoming flood.
4. What Should You Put In Your Flood Emergency Kit?
Packing for a natural disaster is difficult. You have no idea what might happen or what you will need, but being prepared will keep you and your family safe. The CDC recommends having 3 days of supplies for an emergency situation. Below is a list of items to put in your disaster preparedness kit:
- Water: Believe it or not, water is the first thing you should pack. While there is a large amount of flood waters, having drinkable water is vital for survival.
- Food: Non-perishable food as mentioned above should be packed in your emergency kit.
- Flashlight: While your smartphone has a flashlight, you will want to save your phoneโs battery for emergencies.
- Batteries: Having batteries as well as phone charge packs will be needed within 24 hours of losing electricity.
- Dry Clothes: When it floods there is a lot of water. Have dry clothes for when you get wet.
- First Aid Kit: A first aid kit is always important to have in your home. Have your first aid kit available for flooding and natural disasters.
5. What To Do During A Flood
Play board games. Well, you can do that, but it is more important that you stay indoors. Avoid going outside and avoid flood waters at all costs. Do not drive through, swim in or wade through floodwaters. If told to evacuate, do it as soon as possible. Make sure you pay attention to updates on the flood so you can make informed decisions.
6. Should You Get Flood Insurance Just Before A Flood?
Yes, but you need to be extremely proactive. If you live in a flood zone you should have flood insurance anyway. Note: Homeowners insurance does not protect you from flood damage. You need to purchase flood insurance separately. If you are nervous about an upcoming flood, know that it will probably take 30 days for your flood insurance to be fully active. That is why you should get flood insurance now. Flood insurance costs much less when you live outside of a flood zone.
Get Flood Insurance Before The Water Rises
Contact Strickler Insurance for a free quote on flood insurance. We serve states in the northeast and are located in Lebanon Pennsylvania. Learn more about flood insurance FAQs and get the best insurance coverage for your home and family.