Flood Evacuation vs. Shelter in Place: What You Need to Know

Certain areas of the country are prone to heavy rains and flooding, and if you happen to live in one of these areas, you must monitor weather conditions to determine if you and your loved ones are safe in a severe weather event.

Picture this

Let’s take a look at one of these weather events to determine if you are truly prepared for what may come. It’s been raining for several days, and there are no signs of it letting up anytime soon. At this point, flooding is imminent, though it is unclear when it will begin to affect you and your property. Do you stay to protect your property at the risk of harm to you or your family, or do you evacuate and come back when it is safe to do so?

Neptune Flood wants you to be prepared in any event that may put you or your family at risk. Knowing some basic facts about flooding will help you make the best decision possible in a time of crisis.

Things to consider

Sheltering in place is possible if you live in a sound structure. If you are outside an immediate evacuation area, take these steps to prepare you and your family for a possible flood:

• Communicate a family disaster plan
• Be prepared to evacuate if necessary
• Assemble on-the-go-supplies and pet needs
• Move valuables to a higher level
• Clear all drains
• Put important papers in a waterproof container
• Have cell phones fully charged
• Do not attempt to drive through floodwaters

FEMA’s service center page may have up-to-date information about local evacuation procedures in your area; monitor this page and adjust your plans if necessary. If you do receive a flood warning, stay where you are, move to a higher level of your home, and evacuate if told to do so.

When evacuation is necessary

There may be times when floodwaters are rising faster than they can be contained by emergency professionals; in these cases, evacuation will be necessary. Please don’t panic; you need to act quickly to ensure that you and your family members make it to safety. Take these steps as you prepare to move to a safe place.

• Take enough food and water for family members
• Get out of the immediate danger zone
• Take pets, important papers, and irreplaceable items if you can
• Let friends and family know where you are going
• Check on neighbors and offer rides if you are able
• Lock doors and windows
• Turn off electricity, gas, and water if advised to do so
• Do not attempt to drive through rising floodwaters

Moving inland

If you live in a coastal region of the United States, your best bet for safety is moving inward, away from the coast. Follow major highways and pick a destination that is out of the flood zone to find refuge. Should you find yourself in the middle of rising waters, move to the roof of your car and call for help. Leaving early and being prepared will help you to avoid an emergency such as this, so planning and preparation are always good ideas.

Don’t turn around

It can be particularly traumatic to see your most valuable asset destroyed in the wake of severe storms and flooding. Equally as traumatic is having your family displaced, experiencing loss and homelessness at the hands of Mother Nature. You will no doubt forget to bring along at least one valuable possession in your scramble to leave for safer ground but resist the urge to turn back. Quite often, when an evacuation order is issued, it is too late to save homes in the immediate area and returning to your home after leaving is putting you and your entire family in grave danger. You face the risk of harm if you attempt to drive or, worse yet, swim through floodwaters for a few prized possessions. You cannot be replaced; most things that you own can be replaced. As difficult as some of these losses are, an even more painful one would be the loss of a loved one who couldn’t let go of material things and head for safety.

Neptune Flood: Helping your family in times of need

With nearly half a million Americans being displaced by floodwaters each year, it pays to protect your home and belongings. Neptune Flood is here to give you valuable tips and advice on protecting you, your family, and your home. We offer many customized coverage plans to fit every family and every budget. Prepare your family by planning and prep, as well as covering your home and property with valuable flood insurance that can help you reclaim your assets once more. Contact us to see how we can give you more peace of mind in a trying time.

Original article published July 2018. Updated content and references January 2022.