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Nobody can stop a flood. But if you are faced with one, there are actions you
can take to protect your family and keep your property losses to a minimum.
The most important thing is to make sure your family is safe.
BEFORE A FLOOD:
•
Keep a battery-powered radio tuned to a local station, and follow emergency
instructions.
• If the waters start to rise
inside your house before you have evacuated, retreat to the second floor, the
attic, and if necessary, the roof. Take dry clothing, a flashlight and a
portable radio with you. Then, wait for help. Don't try to swim to safety;
wait for rescuers to come to you.
IF TIME PERMITS, HERE ARE OTHER STEPS THAT YOU CAN TAKE BEFORE THE FLOOD WATERS COME.
• Turn off all utilities at the
main power switch and close the main gas valve if evacuation appears
necessary.
• Move valuables, such as
papers, furs, jewelry, and clothing to upper floors or higher elevations.
• Fill bathtubs, sinks and
plastic soda bottles with clean water. Sanitize the sinks and tubs first by
using bleach. Rinse, then fill with clean water.
• Bring outdoor possessions,
such as lawn furniture, grills and trash cans inside, or tie them down
securely.
ONCE THE FLOOD ARRIVES:
• Do not drive through a flooded
area. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. More
people drown in their cars than anywhere else.
• Do not walk through flooded
areas. As little as six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
• Stay away from downed power
fines and electrical wires. Electrocution is another major source of deaths in
floods. Electric current passes easily through water.
• Look out for animals -
especially snakes. Animals lose their homes in floods, too. They may seek
shelter in yours.
AFTER THE FLOOD:
• If your home, apartment or
business has suffered damage, call the insurance company or agent who handles
your flood insurance policy right away to file a claim.
• Before entering a building,
check for structural damage. Don't go in if there is any chance of the building
collapsing.
• Upon entering the building, do
not use matches, cigarette lighters or any other open flames, since gas may be
trapped inside. Instead, use a flashlight to light your way.
• Keep power off until an
electrician has inspected your system for safety.
• Flood waters pick up sewage
and chemicals from roads, farms and factories. If your home has been flooded,
protect your family’s health by cleaning up your house right away. Throw out
foods and medicines that may have come into contact with flood water.
• Until local authorities
proclaim your water supply to be safe, boil water for drinking and food
preparation vigorously for five minutes before using.
• Be careful walking around.
After a flood, steps and floors are often slippery with mud and covered with
debris, including nails and broken glass.
•
Take steps to reduce your risk of future floods.
Make sure to follow local building codes and ordinances when rebuilding, and use
flood-resistant materials and techniques to protect yourself and your property
from future flood damage.
More information on recovering after floods
One of the most important things that you can do to protect your home and family
before a flood is to purchase a flood insurance policy.
You can obtain one through your insurance company or agent. Flood insurance is
guaranteed through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), administered by
the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Your homeowners insurance does not
cover flood damage.
Don't wait until a flood is coming to purchase your policy. It normally takes 30
days after purchase for a flood insurance policy to go into effect.
For more information about the
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and flood insurance, contact your
insurance company or agent, or call the NFIP at
1-888-CALL-FLOOD, ext. 445. |
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