Flood Preparedness Checklist: Essential Supplies for Disaster Emergencies

Flood disasters affect thousands of people each year, displacing families, causing devastating property losses, and even resulting in injury and death. If you live in an area prone to flooding, a failure to plan will surely result in loss of some kind. Flood preparedness is crucial not only for minimizing damage but also for ensuring the safety and well-being of you and your loved ones. By being prepared, you can reduce the impact of flooding on your daily life and accelerate recovery efforts. While it might be difficult to predict when a flood will occur, you can take steps to ensure that you and your family are safe in times of emergency. Setting yourself up with some basic emergency supplies and taking the right steps to protect both loved ones and property will make weathering any disaster a bit easier. Being prepared also means having a plan in place for quick evacuation and understanding how to access emergency services.

A Checklist to Prepare Your Home for a Natural Disaster

Even though you may need to leave your home in a flood emergency, you can take steps to protect your property and minimize damage. Taking proactive measures can significantly reduce the extent of damage and help in a smoother recovery process. Prepare to turn off all utilities, whether you shelter in place or evacuate, and have supplies on hand to get through this difficult time. Ensure you have a plan in place for quick and safe evacuation if necessary. Buy and install a sump pump with backup power sources to keep water out of your basement if possible.

If you are able, have an electrician raise all electrical components, such as switches, sockets, wiring, and circuit breakers, at least 12 inches above your home’s anticipated flood elevation. Consider adding waterproof coverings to electrical outlets and installing moisture sensors to detect any leaks early. Install backflow valves or plugs on all drains, toilets, and sewer connections to protect against water entering your home.

Buy fire extinguishers, and make sure they are in good working order in the event you need to use them. Regularly check and maintain all safety equipment to ensure readiness. Anchor all exterior and interior fuel tanks that can contaminate your property if they are torn free.

Evaluating Watches and Emergency Warnings to Help Minimize Loss 

If you find yourself under a flood watch or warning, gather emergency supplies needed and stay tuned to your local television and radio station for updates. Prepare to turn off utilities and have vehicles packed and prepped to move to higher ground. Consider gathering the following basic supplies for your emergency:

• Water–at least a gallon a day per person
• Non-perishable food that can be eaten with minimal preparation
• Flashlights and batteries
• First aid kit and medical supplies
• Wet wipes and garbage bags
• Whistle to signal for help
• Cell phones and chargers, backup batteries
• Clothes and personal care items
• Blankets, pillows
• Battery-powered radio
• Cash, traveler’s checks
• Sturdy, comfortable shoes

If you have family members with additional personal care or medical needs, you’ll need to expand your kit to include items like prescription medications, hygiene products, aspirin, and water purification tablets if you run low on your emergency supply.

Essential Documents and Paperwork

As much hassle as it may be to think about taking important paperwork with you, this is one of the biggest regrets that people have after finding themselves unprepared for a flood disaster. You’ll need to take all important identification and documents with you so they are not damaged in the flood, as they may be difficult to replace after the disaster has passed. Put all the following in a waterproof container and prepare to take with you until you can return home. Or, even better, store them digitally or in the cloud for quick access.

• Deeds, insurance policies
• All investment documentation
• Bank account numbers, credit card information
• Birth, marriage, and death documentation
• Social Security cards and passports

Don’t Forget to Include Your Pets Safety in Your Disaster Plan! 

Your pets are precious members of your family, and they will need to be accounted for as well to ensure safety and survival. Remember to pack all medications and vet records, as well as a week’s worth of food and water for your pet. Food bowls, a leash, and clean-up supplies are all needed for the pet’s comfort and safety in an uncertain time, and these will help manage all your family affairs a bit easier.

Keep Your Kits Up to Date

If you’ve been lucky enough to escape a flood event for several seasons, you’ll still need to re-evaluate your kit and supplies regularly to see if items are still viable. Storing items in airtight plastic bags will make them last longer. Stored food and water should be changed out every six months so they stay fresh. Similarly, check your pet’s food to ensure it hasn’t spoiled–the last thing you need to deal with in an emergency is an ill pet.

Many people struggle with finding the best place to store emergency supplies so they are accessible to all. The reality is that you don’t know where you’ll be when disaster strikes, so you should prepare supplies for home, work, and your vehicles.

Home Supplies

Have your kit ready to go, and make sure all family members know where bags are located so you can access needed materials efficiently.

Work Supplies

You might find yourself having to shelter in place at work for more than a few days. A work kit should be filled with food, water, needed medications, and comfortable clothing that will get you through.

Vehicle Supplies

Keep emergency supplies in your car if you are transient or stranded. Carry jumper cables, reflective equipment, sand for traction, an ice scraper, and a cell phone charger in addition to food and water that can sustain you while you search for higher, safer ground.

Preparation is the Best Strategy

Emergency preparation is a great strategy for possible disasters, but there is simply no substitute for insurance coverage when it comes to planning and preventing loss. Insurance coverage not only helps with financial recovery but also provides peace of mind. Neptune Flood Insurance combines cutting-edge algorithms with affordable flood insurance plans that will protect you and your home and help you get your life back on track after a flood. Don’t deal with clean-up after a devastating loss; let Neptune Flood help you recover your precious property and get on with life again. Contact us today for an affordable quote; visit our website for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between a flood watch and a flood warning?

A flood watch means that conditions are favorable for flooding, and you should be prepared. A flood warning means that flooding is imminent or already occurring, and immediate action should be taken.

How do I ensure my sump pump will work during a flood?

Install a sump pump with a backup power source, such as a battery or generator, to ensure it functions during power outages. Regular maintenance and testing of the pump are also crucial.

What are the common mistakes people make in flood preparedness?

Typical flood preparedness mistakes include failing to update emergency kits, not having a family communication plan, underestimating flood risks, and neglecting to prepare pets and special needs individuals.