How to Prepare for a Flood

Preparing for a flood involves several practical measures: First, ensure to elevate electrical appliances and install check valves to prevent backflow into the storm drains. Using sandbags can help barricade against moving water, which can knock you off your feet or even sweep your vehicle away with as little as six inches of flow. It’s critical to turn off the electricity at the breaker if flood water threatens your home to avoid electrocution. Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can cause injury or death.

Stay informed with emergency alerts from your community’s severe weather services, and take your emergency kit if you must evacuate immediately. After the flood, be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded, as these could contain sewage or hide sharp objects. Never walk in flooded areas that have not been declared safe, as rising floodwater may have dislodged items like propane tanks, leading to additional hazards.

Statistics show that nearly 300,000 Americans have to relocate due to flooding each year. Floodwaters can strike suddenly and without warning, leaving you at risk for loss, injury, and even death. Taking a flood warning seriously is a life-saving action that you can do to protect your family against harm, and while you may suffer the loss of possessions and property in the process, what really matters is being able to protect your loved ones.

Taking Action for Flood Preparedness 

If you live in an area that is prone to flooding during periods of heavy rain, it’s essential to be prepared for the worst. Stay connected to emergency broadcast systems via your cellphone, radio, and television. This will heed watches and warnings that are being issued. Know the difference between a “watch” and a “warning” and how much time you have to prepare to move your family to a different location. 

Have emergency supplies on hand that accommodate you and your family members. Food, water, emergency medical supplies, and other survival equipment should be assembled and ready to go even before flood watches strike. Having to grab these items in the middle of a crisis will create anxiety and chaos as you try to get to safety.

After Calls to Evacuate and Stay Alert 

An essential part of safety during a flood disaster is having a plan. You and your loved ones need to craft an evacuation plan. This plan should include several different alternatives for finding a safe and secure place to land. Ensure that all family members know of these locations and how to get there in case you become separated. If necessary, call your local Red Cross ahead of time to find their suggestions for evacuation routes and safe zones; use this data to create your own plan that ensures your safety.

Moving Toward Higher Ground – Leave Immediately 

Many of us do not have the resources needed to hole up for days, weeks, or months at a hotel while we get back on track. Evacuation orders have been issued, and now you find yourself gathering up valuables and needed items and moving toward safety zones. These safety zones are likely to set up temporary shelters for individuals and families that have been displaced where you can stay free of charge.

Preparing for Temporary Shelter to Stay Safe

Consider the fact that others will also be moving toward these temporary shelters, and it will be necessary to prepare for this stay to ensure the sanity and safety of you, your loved ones, and perhaps your belongings. While a stay in a temporary shelter is not an ideal situation for any family, this may be a necessary step in finding your way back home again.

Take these steps to make your temporary housing situation safe and comfortable, no matter what the duration of your displacement may be.

1. Make Provisions for Pets if You Can

If you have pets, see what you can do to secure a place at a pet-friendly shelter. Space is at a premium for those with furry family members, so arrive prepared to care for your pet with all the essentials, including:

• Enough pet food for at least 3 days
• Water and a bowl or other receptacle
• Crate or carrier for your pet
• Leash
• Litter box and litter for cats
• Garbage bags
• Any pet medications your pet may need
• Favorite toys, blankets
• Snacks
• Proof of immunization

Many shelters will not allow your pet if you do not have a crate or carrier. However, it may be possible for you to have your pet with you for the duration of your stay; ask shelter staff what rules are in place to provide comfort and safety for you and your pet.

2. Come Prepared with Your Emergency Supplies

In an emergency, you cannot expect that all your basic needs will be available. In this case, a little planning will be necessary to ensure a reasonable level of comfort during your shelter stay. You will need to pack enough personal assets for you and each family member for up to a week, including:

• Medications
• Non-perishable food and snacks
• Sheets, blankets
• Childcare necessities
• Clothing
• Personal hygiene items
• Valid forms of ID, important documents
• Glasses and contacts
• Phone charging cords, contact list
• Drinking water
• Books and games

Having these items ready beforehand will reduce the stress of gathering everything up as you make your way toward safety. Packing everything you need for your stay may not be easy, but the more diligent you are about organizing, the more comfortable you will be during an uncertain time.

3. Avoid Bringing Certain Items with You

You are likely to be in the company of several other families and individuals who are equally as uncomfortable about their new accommodations. Avoid bringing the following items with you to maintain a peaceful environment:

• Loud or noisy electronics
• Jewelry, valuables, or large amounts of cash
• Illegal drugs and alcohol
• Firearms and other weapons

If your shelter is run by a city or local law enforcement, you would likely be asked to turn these items over as you start your stay to reduce incidents of conflict and opportunities for criminal activity. All who are staying in your emergency shelter must abide by simple rules of courtesy and the common good. No one desires to have to relocate by a catastrophic flood only to share close quarters with others in a very stressful situation. You all must work together to make your stay as peaceful as possible.

4. How to Stay Safe After a Flood 

Cleanup efforts should be approached carefully to avoid hazards like mold growth in items that get wet. Most importantly, do not enter your property if it seems unsafe! Wear work gloves and use proper cleaning agents to sanitize any area or clean debris that may have been contaminated. Regularly consult ready.gov and your insurance agent to stay informed about your coverage and stay safe after a flood. Remember, these precautions and plans are essential for ensuring that you and your family may remain safe during and after flooding events.

Know That Better Days Are Ahead

While you can’t plan the outcome of every potential natural disaster, you can plan to provide for your family at a difficult time. At Neptune Flood, we know how important it is to know that you have coverage when you need it most. Affordable coverage plans cater to your unique situation, giving you peace of mind that no matter what the storm is, we can help you rebuild again after the floodwaters recede. Contact us today for a quote, and know that you are providing the best possible outcome for your family, no matter what the future holds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I receive a flood warning?

Take it seriously and stay informed through emergency broadcast systems. Understand the difference between a “watch” and a “warning” and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. Establish a communication plan that includes staying informed through alerts from organizations like the American Red Cross and FEMA, especially during emergency evacuations.

How do I safely turn off utilities before evacuating?

Learn how to safely turn off gas, electricity, and water in advance. Shut off the main valves to prevent gas leaks, electrical shorts, and water damage. Ensure every family member knows how to do this and practice it periodically. Do not touch any equipment if it is wet.

How can I help my children cope with the stress of flooding?

Talk to your children about floods in an age-appropriate way, involve them in preparedness, maintain routines, and provide comfort items.