September is National Preparedness Month and Americans are encouraged to be prepared for natural disasters or emergencies such as flood, wildfire, hurricane, and power outage. This effort is led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and together with other government agencies.
The National Preparedness Month is the perfect time to remind families and everyone in the United States that the number one natural disaster is neither fire nor earthquake, but a flood, and it can happen anywhere at any time.
How to Prepare for a Flood
Floods can occur in different ways. Some develop slowly during an extended period of rain or in a warming trend following heavy snow. Others, like flash floods, can happen very quickly, without any visible signs of rain. Because of this unpredictability, it’s important to know what to do in order to prepare a property for a flood.
Tip No. 1: Research an Area’s Flood Risk
Research in advance about whether an area is susceptible to flooding. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maintains online flood maps to show the locations and risk levels in specific geographic areas. Moreover, it is advised to gather more information by asking neighbors how the flood was the last time it hit the locality. Check if they have pictures or any form of information about the flood’s onslaught to gain more prevention tips in advance.Tip No. 2: Make a Flood Plan for Family
Have a plan B if plan A fails. Establish the emergency actions that need to occur in such a situation, and assign tasks to each individual family member responsible. Train family members as to what to do during flooding, the meeting place, how to survive high waters, and what to do in the event of an evacuation.Tip No. 3: Get Flood Insurance
This is a requirement for flood-prone area homeowners, which is available to homeowners through the National Flood Insurance Program. Visit the website of Floodsmart.gov to get an estimate of the pricing for flood insurance for a geographic location/address. Remember that regular homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage costs.Tip No. 4: Construct Barriers
Build water-resistant barriers, self-sealing air bricks, and flood-resistant doors, windows and garages around a property that can help stop floodwaters from entering. These resilient barriers are designed to withstand impact by water and debris while simultaneously creating a water-resistant seal on the exterior of the home.Tip No. 5: Re-Setup the House Electrical Systems
This may sound expensive, but as a rule of thumb, all parts of the house’s electrical sockets, switches, and wiring including basements should be elevated at least 12 inches above predicted flood levels.Tip No. 6: Pre-Arrange the Furniture and Appliances for Flood
Setting up the arrangement of the furniture and appliances to be flood-ready would protect them from damage. By the time the flood occurs, the appliances and furniture would be totally safe and homeowners would still have time for other important things to do.Tip No. 7: Last Minute Preparations
Closely monitor the NOAA radio for latest flood updates. Be sure to turn off the power and prepare a kit full of emergency supplies, just in case. Follow the instructions of local authorities if there a need to evacuate.
