flood emergency plan

How to Create a Flood Emergency Action Plan

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7 min read ยท May 10, 2022

If you live in an area prone to natural disasters, it’s crucial to have an emergency plan. Floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes, among others, can all cause massive damage, and it’s important to be prepared for the worst.

An emergency plan is a document that outlines what to do in the event of a flood. It should include evacuation routes, where to go if you must evacuate, a list of supplies you’ll need, and any insurance company to contact for assistance. The plan should be tailored specifically to your needs, as each family or business will have different requirements. This blog post discusses a flood emergency plan and how you can begin creating one for your own home or business.

How to Start Creating Your Flood Emergency Action Plan

When creating a plan, it is essential to involve everyone who lives or works in the building to familiarize everyone with tins to do during an emergency. There are six key steps to note when creating your plan:

1. Assess the Risk of Flooding

The first step is to assess the risk of floods at your home or business. This will help you determine what kind of plan you need to implement. There are several ways to assess the risk of floods. You can check with your local government to see if there are any floodplain maps for your area. You can also look online for information on past floods in your area, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website. Additionally, you can save yourself the hustle of getting the correct information quickly by contacting Neptune Flood to ask about your coverage in the event of a flood.

2. Choose an Evacuation Route

If you live in an area at risk of flooding, it’s vital to plan an evacuation route. You should choose a route away from the floodplain that you can quickly get to. Everyone should know where the evacuation routes are and the shelter procedures. Make sure to practice your evacuation route to know it by heart. You should also have a plan for where to go with your family, including your pets, if you must evacuate. This could be a friend or family member’s house, a hotel, or a safe location. Make sure to include these details in your plan.

3. Assess and Document the Value of Your Property

This includes taking inventory of all your belongings and valuables. Make sure to take photos or videos of your belongings for documentation purposes. This will be helpful if you need to make a claim after a flood. You should also create a list of emergency contacts that you can reach out to in the event of a flood. This could include your family, friends, neighbors, and insurance companies.

4. Prepare an Emergency Contact List

As part of your plan, you should create a list of emergency contacts. Make sure to include the contact information for each person or organization on the list that is likely to be involved during emergencies. This could include your family, friends, neighbors, and insurance companies. You should also include any special instructions next to each contact’s name. Also, the communication plan should be reviewed so that everyone knows how to get in touch with each other in an emergency. For example, if you have an experienced plumber, you may want to include their contact information if you need assistance with flood damage repairs. Including all this crucial information in your plan will help ensure that everyone in your family knows what to do if disaster strikes.

5. Prepare an Emergency Kit

Emergency kits should be assembled and easily accessible. This kit should include all the supplies you’ll need in case of a flood. Some of the items you may want to include are:

  • Non-perishable food items
  • Bottled water
  • Flashlights
  • Batteries
  • A first aid kit
  • Medications
  • Emergency plan

6. Find an Insurance Cover

Finally, it’s essential to find an insurance policy that will cover you in the event of a flood. This is where Neptune Flood comes in to help. We offer a wide range of insurance policies that can be tailored to your specific needs.

How Often Should You Review and Update Your Flood Emergency Plan?

You should review and update your Emergency Action Plan at least once per year and update it as needed. However, it’s essential to make changes as needed if any changes to your property or assets. Also, if there are any changes to the building or its occupants, the plan should be updated accordingly. It is also essential to keep an eye on flood zone maps and update the plan if the area is re-zoned. By staying up to date, you can be sure that you’re always prepared for the worst-case scenario.

What Are Some Tips for Staying Safe During Flood Emergency?

The following are four things to remember if you find yourself amid a flood:

1. Never Drive Through Floodwaters

A few inches of water can cause your car to lose control, and you could be quickly swept away. If you’re trapped in your car, stay put and wait for help to arrive.

2. Never Walk Through Floodwaters

The water may be deeper than it appears, and you could get swept away. Only walk through when you are finding a safe place. Then, stay still and wait for external help.

3. Turn Off the Power

If your home is flooded, turn off the power and gas immediately and do not enter the building until a professional has inspected it.

4. Implement Your Emergency Plan

If in a position, make sure to follow your emergency flood plan. This will help ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.

What To Do After a Flood?

After a flood, it’s important to take the following steps:

  • Assess the damage to your property and belongings
  • If possible, take photos or video of the damage for insurance purposes
  • Contact Neptune to begin the claims process
  • Begin making repairs to your home or business
  • Take measures to prevent mold growth
  • Have your property inspected by a professional before reoccupying it

If you follow these steps, you’ll be on your way to recovery after a flood.

Why You Need a Flood Insurance Coverage for Emergencies

It’s essential to have a policy in place before disaster strikes because:

1. Stay Financially Afloat After the Disaster

No one is safe from the risk of floods. An insurance policy will help you cover the cost of repairs and replacements after a flood. Neptune offers a wide range of policies tailored to your specific needs, so you can be sure you’re covered in the event of a disaster.

2. You May Not Be Eligible for Government Assistance

The government assists homeowners and business owners after a major disaster, but this assistance is often not enough to cover the total cost of repairs.

3. Claim Your Valuable Assets

Your insurance policy will help you replace any valuable assets lost or damaged in a flood. Sometimes, you may have an expensive, rare property that isn’t easy to find a replacement for. That’s when an insurance company plays a crucial role and may help you recover its monetary value even if you cannot get the item back.

4. Get Quick and Efficient Service

After a major disaster, it can take weeks or even months for the government to assist. However, a private insurance company will begin working on your claim right away so you can start making repairs as soon as possible.

5. Choose the Right Coverage in Advance

Lastly, choosing the right coverage in advance is essential so you’re not left underinsured after floods. A standard home insurance policy doesn’t usually cover floods, so it’s vital to add on this coverage if you live in an area susceptible to flooding.

Why Choose Neptune Flood

You may be wondering why you should choose Neptune for your insurance policy. The following are five reasons to choose Neptune insurance:

1. Reputable Flood Insurance Service Provider

Since 2016, Neptune Flood has been one of the leading private flood insurance providers in the United States. We have a wide range of policies to choose from, so you can be sure you’re getting the coverage you need.

2. Affordable Coverage

We offer competitive rates on our insurance policies to get the coverage you need without breaking the bank. Moreover, you can purchase a policy online in minutes, and we’ll send you a digital copy of your policy so you can access it anytime, anywhere.

3. Fast Claims Service

We understand that time is of the essence after a flood, so we work quickly to process your claim and get you the assistance you need. You don’t have to go through the claims process alone. Our team of licensed professionals is standing by to help you through the claims process.

4. Personalized Service

Our expert team is always ready to answer any questions you may have about our policies or the claims process. Besides, we understand that every situation is unique, so we’ll work with you to create a custom policy that meets your specific needs.

5. Reliable Coverage

When you purchase a policy from Neptune, you can rest assured knowing that you’re covered by one of the most reliable insurers in the business. We deliver on our promises, and we’ll be there for you when you need us most.

Contact Us

A flood emergency plan is an important document to have in the event of a flood. It outlines the steps you will take to protect your family and property. Before a disaster strikes, the best time to begin creating your plan is now. Contact Neptune Flood today for more information on creating a plan that works for you. We help homeowners and businesses prepare for disasters!