How To Prepare Yourself For A Flood

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

Be sure to know the signs of a flood and have a comprehensive plan to evacuate in the event of flooding.

It is important to have an action plan during a flood. Floods are the leading causes of deaths in the United States compared to other weather events. It's important to know the signs when a flood is about to occur and how to prepare yourself for one; this includes how to situate yourself in your home or shelter in other places.

Flood Watch vs Flood Warning

A flood or flash flood watch is indicative of possible flood conditions. There is a likelihood that a flood may occur and it is important to be on the lookout for further updates on the weather condition. Be prepared to take shelter and move to higher ground.

A flood or flash flood warning indicates that a flood or flash flood is occurring or about to occur. 

Being wary of a flood watch or flood warning is imperative and here are further steps to ensure the safety of your family in the event of a flood.

What to do Before a Flood

• Make sure you are constantly receiving updates: alerts, warnings, public safety information.
• Find out whether or not the area you are in is a high-risk flood area. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has flood maps that indicate areas with higher frequencies of flooding.
• Flooding usually occurs when water containment overflows or breaks; keep away from dams. Find out whether or not your home is downstream from a dam or not and if so take steps to evacuate in the early stages of flooding.
• Create an emergency plan for your family and be prepared to evacuate in the first signs of a flood. Have a plan to evacuate to higher ground. Consider investing in a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan in which we will outline a detailed action plan for a flood disaster.
• Create an emergency kit.
• Take records of your personal property. Take photos and videos of your belongings.
• Prepare your home for flooding
• Consider buying flood insurance since flooding damages are typically not covered through homeowners insurance. A typical flood insurance plan is the National Flood Insurance Plan (NFIP).

What to Do During a Flood Watch or Flash Flood Watch

• Listen to a weather radio NOAA or your local news station for further updates on weather conditions and flooding information
• Be prepared to move to high ground and postpone all other activities. Public safety officials will give information so be sure to be wary.
• Tie down objects that can be swept away during a flood; outdoor objects and unplug electrical appliances.
• Elevate items in a basement and be sure your sump pump is in working condition as it is responsible for pumping out the extra water in the basement.
• Avoid known bodies of water: rivers, creeks, lakes. These are hazardous areas and can flood very easily. 

If you have any questions about flooding or need flood restoration and any other types of water damage, call SERVPRO of Monterey Park.