What to Do Before, During, and After a Flood
Keep these essential guidelines in mind to safeguard yourself and your loved ones during heavy rains and potential flooding. Preparation and awareness can make all the difference!
Before a flood, prepare an emergency kit and evacuation plan, understand your flood risk, and heed warnings. During a flood, stay informed, avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, and move to higher ground if necessary. After a flood, be cautious when returning home, document damage, and follow re-entry instructions from authorities.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Before a Flood:
- Understand your flood risk:Know if your home is in a flood-prone area and the potential severity.
- Prepare an emergency kit:Include essentials like a first-aid kit, medications, non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, and a radio.
- Develop an evacuation plan:Identify a safe place to go, how you’ll get there, and what to do with pets.
- Secure your home:If possible, move valuables to higher floors, elevate furniture, and turn off utilities.
- Stay informed:Listen to local news and weather reports, and heed warnings from authorities.
- Consider sandbagging:If time allows, place sandbags around your property to help prevent water entry.
During a Flood:
- Stay informed: Continue monitoring local news and weather updates.
- Turn around, don’t drown: Avoid walking or driving through any floodwaters, as they can be deeper and faster than they appear.
- Move to higher ground: If advised to evacuate or if floodwaters are rising, move to a designated shelter or higher ground.
- Secure your home: If you have time and it’s safe, turn off utilities at the main switch.
- Help others: Assist neighbors or family members who may need help evacuating.
After a Flood:
- Be cautious when returning home: Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, and be aware of potential hazards like debris and downed power lines.
- Follow re-entry instructions: Wait for official clearance before returning to your home or neighborhood.
- Document damage: Take photos and videos of any damage for insurance purposes.
- Clean and disinfect: Clean and disinfect anything that got wet to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
- Report damage: Report any downed power lines or other hazards to the appropriate authorities.
- Stay tuned to local news: Continue monitoring local news and weather reports for updates and potential hazards.
- Consider professional help: Consult with professionals for cleaning and repairs to flood-damaged property.
