There is an increased risk of flooding during spring months. During the winter months, frozen land prevents melting snow or rainfall from steeping into the ground, which can result in overflow of streams, rivers, and lakes, once the ground warms up. Add spring storms to that and there is a very good chance spring flooding will occur. Here is what to do to keep you and your family safe before, during, and after a flood.
Preparing For a Flood…
- Build an emergency kit.
- Your emergency kit should include a collection of basic items your household may need in case of an emergency. Your kit should include food, water, medicine, and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours. When creating your kit, don’t forget your pets. They’ll need supplies too.
- Plan and practice flood evacuation routes with your family.
- Get Flood Insurance
- Flood damage is not covered by homeowners insurance whether your home is in a high-risk area or not. In fact, fewer than half of the 95,500 buildings damaged in Nassau and Suffolk County during Superstorm Sandy had flood coverage. A separate flood insurance policy can we purchased for as little as a dollar a day. Click here to learn more about flood insurance.
- If any of your electric panels or heaters are close to the ground it’s a good idea to elevate them, especially if you live in a high-flood risk area.
- If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.
What to Do During a Flood…
- Listen to a battery operated radio for emergency information.
- Be aware of flash floods, which can occur without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rain.
- Disconnect all your appliances and electronics. Turn off utilities at the main switches. (Do not do this if you are wet or standing in water)
- If you have a smart phone, there are applications you can download to keep you informed. For example, if you need to find shelter, the Red Cross Shelter Finder Application can provide assistance.
- Make sure you secure your home. Bring outdoor furniture inside and move whatever furniture you can to an upper floor.
- If you go outside do not walk through moving water. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
- If you have to evacuate your home, do not drive into flooded areas, most vehicles can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
What to Do After a Flood…
- Return to your home only when authorities indicate it is safe to do so.
- Keep children and pets away from hazardous sites and flood water.
- Before entering your home, look outside for loose power lines, damaged gas lines, and other damages.
- If you smell gas, chemicals or hear hissing noises, evacuate your property immediately and contact emergency assistance.
- During clean up wear protective clothing such as rubber gloves and boots.
Just because you have never experienced a flood, does not mean you will not in the future. For more information about floods, risk of financial loss due to flooding and flood insurance please click the links below:
