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How to Prepare for a Flood

Know your risk., Establish an evacuation route., Teach your kids how to respond to an emergency., Establish an out-of-state contact., Include your pets., Buy flood insurance., Pack a 3-day supply of food and water., Include the proper tools and...

30 Steps 6 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Know your risk.

    If you're new to an area, you can ask the county planning department whether your home is at risk for flooding.You can also check government sites for flood maps.

    Be sure to check back every so often; the maps are sometimes redrawn as conditions change.The main factor determining your risk is whether you are in a floodplain or not, which you can check with flood maps.Several other factors put you at risk for floods.

    For instance, if your main floor is below the base flood elevation in an area, you're at risk for flooding.

    You're also at risk if your near a body of water, such as a lake or a river.

    You're especially at risk near the ocean.

  2. Step 2: Establish an evacuation route.

    That is, know the best ways in and out of your neighborhood and other areas of the city when it's flooded.

    You'll need to stick to higher ground if you need to evacuate.

    Also, have a planned meeting place for your family members if you get separated.

    Have the plan written down.

    Go over it together so everyone knows what to do.The best way to plan an evacuation route is to use flood maps, which will show where the worst flooding will be in your area.When planning your evacuation route, have an established place to go.

    For instance, you can set up a plan with a friend ahead of time to evacuate to his or her house, or go to your workplace if it is out of the flood zone.

    Many communities also have areas designated for emergencies where you can go. , That is, show them the emergency numbers you have displayed in your home.

    Show them how to dial the numbers, and go over what they need to say in an emergency.

    Also, have a safety contact in the neighborhood that they can go to if they have a problem., Designate one person who is not in the immediate area as the person your family checks in with.

    That way, at least one person will have all the information who is not in immediate danger., When thinking about how you will evacuate, don't forget to include your pets in your plan.

    Have enough carriers for all your pets so that you can evacuate them with you if needed.Carries keep pets contained so you can evacuate them without harming them.Don't forget to include other items for your pets.

    They'll need containers for food and water, as well as food and their normal medications if you evacuate.

    Remember, not all emergency shelters will allow pets.

    Also, try to take something that will remind them of home, such as a toy or blanket.If you must stay in your home, move your pets to the highest point in the house with you., If possible, buy flood insurance so that you can recover from the damage of flooding.

    If you live in an area with low risk, insurance shouldn't be too expensive.

    If you live in an area with higher risk, it will be more expensive, but it will be worth it if flooding ever destroys your home.

    In fact, you are required to have it in a high risk area if you have a federally insured loan.You can get insurance through a federal program, the National Flood Insurance Program, by filling out forms on their website., For water, that means packing enough for each person to have a gallon per day.

    For food, pack non-perishable foods like canned goods that you don't need to cook.

    Keep these supplies in a waterproof container.Don't forget to include a can opener with your food, as well as some utensils for eating.Also, remember your pets need to eat and drink, too, so take them into account., You'll need a multipurpose tool that includes items like a screwdriver and knife.

    You also need extra phone chargers and a spare set of keys., Keep a first aid kit in your box, along with a supply of soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, and other toiletry items.

    Antibacterial hand wipes are also good to keep on hand., These items can include things such as sunscreen, bug spray, emergency blankets, and rain boots., That is, have a weather radio with extra batteries.

    You'll also need to keep friends and family informed, as well, so remember to have emergency contact information on hand., As noted earlier in the article, you can ask the your county planning department about the frequency of flooding at a potential building site.If you have no choice about where you build and you're located in a flooding area, you need to build an elevated, reinforced house to protect against flooding., Your furnace, air conditioner, electrical unit, and hot water should all be lifted above the ground to keep them from being flooded.Also, electrical outlets and wiring should be a foot above any flooding that's likely.You should have a professional perform these tasks. , Make sure you have copies of all of your insurance policies, pictures of your possessions and home, and any other important documents in a safe place.

    You either need to keep them in a waterproof box in your home or in a safety deposit box., A sump pump pumps out collected water, usually in basements.

    If you're home is prone to flooding, put one in your home, and be sure it has a battery back up in case your electrical goes out., These valves prevent flood waters from coming up drains., Have a professional evaluate your home and create barriers around your home that will prevent water from entering your house., If you have a basement, have the walls sealed with a waterproof sealer, which will help keep water out of that area., Turn on the weather radio for reports on flooding in the area so you can stay informed., If you have standing water, turn off the electricity by flipping the main breaker switch to your house's electricity.

    You should also turn it off if you plan to leave when there is flooding or if you see power lines on the ground., You should locate it ahead of time.

    Generally, you turn the handle a quarter of a turn until it is perpendicular to the pipe to shut off the gas.

    You'll need a crescent wrench to make the turn., Usually, you will need to turn a small valve to the right several times to turn it off., Wash the areas with a bleach solution, and rinse them clean.

    Fill them up to have clean water available to you.

    Also fill up any other pitchers or containers you have with water., If you have furniture or grills, bring them inside or tie them down to secure them., If you have enough warning, move any important items, such as electronics or valuable furniture to higher ground, such as upstairs or in the attic.

  3. Step 3: Teach your kids how to respond to an emergency.

  4. Step 4: Establish an out-of-state contact.

  5. Step 5: Include your pets.

  6. Step 6: Buy flood insurance.

  7. Step 7: Pack a 3-day supply of food and water.

  8. Step 8: Include the proper tools and items.

  9. Step 9: Keep hygiene supplies in your box.

  10. Step 10: Include items to protect yourself from the elements.

  11. Step 11: Keep items on hand to stay informed.

  12. Step 12: Avoid building in a flooding area.

  13. Step 13: Lift major appliances and electrical outlets.

  14. Step 14: Create copies of important documents.

  15. Step 15: Put in a sump pump.

  16. Step 16: Have back-flow valves installed in drains

  17. Step 17: toilets

  18. Step 18: and sinks.

  19. Step 19: Create blockades for water.

  20. Step 20: Waterproof basement walls.

  21. Step 21: Pull out the radio.

  22. Step 22: Turn off your power.

  23. Step 23: Turn off the gas if you are evacuating.The gas should have a shut off near the street or up against the house

  24. Step 24: depending on the type you have.

  25. Step 25: Turn off your water if you are evacuating.Your water valve should be near your water meter

  26. Step 26: unless you are in a cold area

  27. Step 27: in which case it will be inside.

  28. Step 28: Fill sinks and bathtubs with clean water if you are staying.

  29. Step 29: Secure outdoor items.

  30. Step 30: Move important items to higher ground.

Detailed Guide

If you're new to an area, you can ask the county planning department whether your home is at risk for flooding.You can also check government sites for flood maps.

Be sure to check back every so often; the maps are sometimes redrawn as conditions change.The main factor determining your risk is whether you are in a floodplain or not, which you can check with flood maps.Several other factors put you at risk for floods.

For instance, if your main floor is below the base flood elevation in an area, you're at risk for flooding.

You're also at risk if your near a body of water, such as a lake or a river.

You're especially at risk near the ocean.

That is, know the best ways in and out of your neighborhood and other areas of the city when it's flooded.

You'll need to stick to higher ground if you need to evacuate.

Also, have a planned meeting place for your family members if you get separated.

Have the plan written down.

Go over it together so everyone knows what to do.The best way to plan an evacuation route is to use flood maps, which will show where the worst flooding will be in your area.When planning your evacuation route, have an established place to go.

For instance, you can set up a plan with a friend ahead of time to evacuate to his or her house, or go to your workplace if it is out of the flood zone.

Many communities also have areas designated for emergencies where you can go. , That is, show them the emergency numbers you have displayed in your home.

Show them how to dial the numbers, and go over what they need to say in an emergency.

Also, have a safety contact in the neighborhood that they can go to if they have a problem., Designate one person who is not in the immediate area as the person your family checks in with.

That way, at least one person will have all the information who is not in immediate danger., When thinking about how you will evacuate, don't forget to include your pets in your plan.

Have enough carriers for all your pets so that you can evacuate them with you if needed.Carries keep pets contained so you can evacuate them without harming them.Don't forget to include other items for your pets.

They'll need containers for food and water, as well as food and their normal medications if you evacuate.

Remember, not all emergency shelters will allow pets.

Also, try to take something that will remind them of home, such as a toy or blanket.If you must stay in your home, move your pets to the highest point in the house with you., If possible, buy flood insurance so that you can recover from the damage of flooding.

If you live in an area with low risk, insurance shouldn't be too expensive.

If you live in an area with higher risk, it will be more expensive, but it will be worth it if flooding ever destroys your home.

In fact, you are required to have it in a high risk area if you have a federally insured loan.You can get insurance through a federal program, the National Flood Insurance Program, by filling out forms on their website., For water, that means packing enough for each person to have a gallon per day.

For food, pack non-perishable foods like canned goods that you don't need to cook.

Keep these supplies in a waterproof container.Don't forget to include a can opener with your food, as well as some utensils for eating.Also, remember your pets need to eat and drink, too, so take them into account., You'll need a multipurpose tool that includes items like a screwdriver and knife.

You also need extra phone chargers and a spare set of keys., Keep a first aid kit in your box, along with a supply of soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, and other toiletry items.

Antibacterial hand wipes are also good to keep on hand., These items can include things such as sunscreen, bug spray, emergency blankets, and rain boots., That is, have a weather radio with extra batteries.

You'll also need to keep friends and family informed, as well, so remember to have emergency contact information on hand., As noted earlier in the article, you can ask the your county planning department about the frequency of flooding at a potential building site.If you have no choice about where you build and you're located in a flooding area, you need to build an elevated, reinforced house to protect against flooding., Your furnace, air conditioner, electrical unit, and hot water should all be lifted above the ground to keep them from being flooded.Also, electrical outlets and wiring should be a foot above any flooding that's likely.You should have a professional perform these tasks. , Make sure you have copies of all of your insurance policies, pictures of your possessions and home, and any other important documents in a safe place.

You either need to keep them in a waterproof box in your home or in a safety deposit box., A sump pump pumps out collected water, usually in basements.

If you're home is prone to flooding, put one in your home, and be sure it has a battery back up in case your electrical goes out., These valves prevent flood waters from coming up drains., Have a professional evaluate your home and create barriers around your home that will prevent water from entering your house., If you have a basement, have the walls sealed with a waterproof sealer, which will help keep water out of that area., Turn on the weather radio for reports on flooding in the area so you can stay informed., If you have standing water, turn off the electricity by flipping the main breaker switch to your house's electricity.

You should also turn it off if you plan to leave when there is flooding or if you see power lines on the ground., You should locate it ahead of time.

Generally, you turn the handle a quarter of a turn until it is perpendicular to the pipe to shut off the gas.

You'll need a crescent wrench to make the turn., Usually, you will need to turn a small valve to the right several times to turn it off., Wash the areas with a bleach solution, and rinse them clean.

Fill them up to have clean water available to you.

Also fill up any other pitchers or containers you have with water., If you have furniture or grills, bring them inside or tie them down to secure them., If you have enough warning, move any important items, such as electronics or valuable furniture to higher ground, such as upstairs or in the attic.

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Helen Stevens

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