How To Achieve Successful Flood Emergency Preparation

One natural disaster that is common in the United States is flooding. Statistics from the US Red Cross show that each year, floods kill some one hundred people and in terms of cost damages, around four billion dollars are due to floods. In the event of floods, a little bit of flood emergency preparation goes a long way.

Flood Emergency Preparation Pointers

There are ways to prepare for flood eventualities. Below are a number of tips along with other advice for being ready and knowing what to do during flood mishaps.

Expect the unexpected - Floods are capable of causing a world of hurt and damage. You need to understand and to be aware of the extreme damage that floods can cause. Such inevitable scenarios include uprooted trees, rolling boulders, debris sliding, and destruction of bridges and buildings.

Get familiar - Master the different warning signs or signals that accompany floods. Familiarize yourself about what happens in your community whenever a flood takes place.

Have insurance - It would be a great help if you had insurance especially suited to a flood incident. You may find this hard to believe, but most homeowners insurance policies do not cover any damage brought about by floods, either on you or your property.

Move - If your electricity panels, fireplace, water heater or furnace is located on the first floor or in the basement of your house, consider transferring them to somewhere higher like the attic. This way, there is less chance of them being ruined or destroyed by rushing floodwaters.

Check, then build - Consult local building codes. This will tell you if it is acceptable to erect walls for floods. They can serve as barriers surrounding your home to prevent floodwater from entering your property.

Have supplies and a radio ready - A battery-operated or wind-up radio is a must in case the power gets cut off. First-aid kits along with food supplies like canned goods are likewise important to have. Of course, it goes without saying that you will want to keep a can opener handy.

No harm in asking - Inquire with the local planning and zoning office regarding whether the land your property is standing on is below or above flood level. It also does not hurt to find out if the region has been flooded in the past. Such info helps in making preparations in case floods do strike.

Learn - Know the evacuation plans of the community. This aids in preparing yourself and your loved ones about the emergency drills and other stuff to do.

Store important paperwork - This includes any passports, insurance and birth certificates. Keep them in a waterproof box that is easily accessible.

Plug everything - You can prevent floodwaters from invading the house drains if you plug all of the trap sewers. Use check valves for this task. Big corks or stoppers are also great for plugging sinks and tubs during an emergency.

Waterproof everything - Use waterproof compounds to seal and protect basement walls. This prevents floodwaters from gaining entry through the cracks.

The bottom line: preparation is your single, best defense when you encounter floods. Being ready is the key to surviving such tragedies.

Dan Annweiler is the CEO & Editor-in-Chief of The Emergency Survival Blog and related Online Emergency Survival Store. The Emergency Survival Blog is dedicated to preparing others for natural and man-made disasters. To receive weekly email updates, subscribe at The Emergency Survival Blog.