Keep yourself and your loved ones safe by planning ahead. For Information regarding FLOOD INSURANCE, CLICK HERE or visit https://www.getagreatquote.com/insurance-quotes/personal-insurance/flood-insurance/
• Are you in a flash-flood prone area? Contact the local county geologist or county
planning department to find out if your home is located in a flash-flood-prone
area or landslide-prone area.
• Make a communication plan and a disaster plan for your family.
• Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family. Ask an out-of-state
relative or friend to be the “family contact” in case your family is separated during
a flood. Make sure everyone in your family knows the name, address, and phone
number of this contact person.
• Stay informed. Learn about your community’s emergency plans, warning signals,
evacuation routes, and locations of emergency shelters.
• Inform local authorities about any special needs, i.e., elderly or bedridden
people, or anyone with a disability.
Get your home ready for a flood.
• Make sure you secure or protect any hazards in your home before the flood
strikes.
• Be prepared to turn off electrical power when there is standing water, fallen
power lines, or before you evacuate. Turn off gas and water supplies before you
evacuate. Secure structurally unstable building materials.
• Buy a fire extinguisher if you don’t already have one. Make sure your family
knows where it is and how to use it.
• Buy and install sump pumps with back-up power.
• Have a licensed electrician raise electric components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers and
wiring) at least 12” above your home’s projected flood elevation.
• For drains, toilets, and other sewer connections, install backflow valves or plugs to prevent
floodwaters from entering.
• Anchor fuel tanks which can contaminate your basement if torn free. An unanchored tank
outside can be swept downstream and damage other houses.
If you are under a flood watch or warning:
• Gather the emergency supplies you previously stocked in your home and stay tuned to local
radio or television station for updates.
• Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if evacuation
appears necessary.
• Have your immunization records handy or be aware of your last tetanus shot, in case you
should receive a puncture wound or a wound becomes contaminated during or after the flood.
• Prepare an emergency water supply. Store at least 1 gallon of water per day for each person
and each pet. Store at least a 3-day supply.
• Bring outdoor possessions, such as lawn furniture, grills and trash cans inside or tie them down
securely.
Create an emergency supply kit.
Stock your home with supplies you may need during the flood by creating an emergency supply kit.
Visit CDC’s Personal Health Preparedness page for a list of supplies you’ll want to include in your kit. Be
sure to also include the following supplies in your kit:
• An emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, fire
extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc.
• Rubber boots, sturdy shoes, and waterproof gloves.
• Insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin, screens, or long-sleeved and long-legged
clothing for protection from mosquitoes which may gather in pooled water remaining
after the flood.
Prepare a food and water supply.
Make sure you and your family have enough safe food and water (for drinking, cooking, bathing, etc.)
available in the event of a flood.
Prepare to evacuate.
Never ignore an evacuation order— authorities will direct you to leave if you are in a low-lying area or
within the greatest potential path of rising waters. Even if you haven’t been ordered to evacuate yet, it’s always best to be prepared when a flood watch is issued.
To prepare your home, car, and loved ones for a potential evacuation:
• Fill your vehicle’s gas tank and make sure the emergency kit for your car is ready.
• If no vehicle is available, make arrangements with friends or family for transportation.
• Identify essential documents such as medical records, insurance card along with ID cards and
put in waterproof material to carry with you during evacuation.
• Fill your clean water containers.
• If you have pet, identify a shelter designated for pets.
• Review your emergency plans and supplies, checking to see if any items are missing.
• Tune in the radio or television for weather updates.
• Listen for disaster sirens and warning signals.
• Put livestock and family pets in a safe area. Due to food and sanitation requirements,
emergency shelters cannot accept animals.
If you are ordered to evacuate:
If a flood warning is issued for your area or you are directed by authorities to evacuate the area:
• Take only essential items with you.
• If you have time, turn off the gas, electricity, and water.
• Disconnect appliances to prevent electrical shock when power is restored.
• Follow the designated evacuation routes and expect heavy traffic.
• Do not attempt to drive or walk across creeks or flooded roads.
If you are NOT ordered to evacuate:
To get through the storm in the safest possible manner:
• Monitor the radio or television for weather updates.
• Prepare to evacuate to a shelter or to a neighbor’s home if your home is damaged, or if you are
instructed to do so by emergency personnel.
Make sure you have flood insurance and are fully covered by calling ABM Insurance & Benefit Services at
281-448-3040. If you would like information about flood insurance, CLICK HERE or visit us at www.getagreatquote.com