How to Prepare for a Flood - What You Should Know

As the warm weather returns, so do those big storms that bring flooding to homes across America. Keep in mind that flooding can happen from different sources such as hurricanes, broken dams, or overflowing rivers. It can happen quickly and unexpectedly, even without a flood warning. It is essential to be prepared to protect your family and belongings safe during floods. Taking steps now to plan ahead can provide peace when a disaster is looming. Here are some things you need to know to prepare for a flood.

What Is a Flood?

A flood is an event where water overflows an area and normally covers a dry place. Floods can be classified into two categories, flash and river flooding. Flash floods typically occur in areas with low water-absorbing capacity, causing water to flow quickly over the surface. River floods happen when a river overflows its banks because of excessive water, it can be worse if a dam or levee breaks. Flooding can also occur in coastal regions as a result of weather conditions such as high tides, hurricanes, and storm surges. This means that flooding is a potential risk both in urban and rural areas.

Flooding can be caused by a wide range of factors, both man-made and natural. Possible causes of flooding include severe weather (like hurricanes), heavy rain, geographical location (such as low-lying areas), melting snow, and dam failure. You may want to know if am I in a flood zone. Actually, if you live near a coast, dam, river, or in a low-lying region, you are at risk of flooding.

How to Prepare for a Flood?

What do you need for a flood? Here are some things that you can prepare for a flood.

Check Your Flood Insurance

It's important to verify if your current insurance policy includes coverage for flood damage, as standard homeowner insurance policies typically do not. If you find that you're not covered, it may be beneficial to consider amending your policy or purchasing a separate flood insurance policy. Flood insurance may not provide coverage for all types of damage or losses. While it does cover damage to the house structure and personal property inside, it does not include coverage for outside property, vehicles, or items stored in the basement. It's important to understand the limitations of your flood insurance policy.

Purchase Backup Power

Can flooding cause power outages? Yes. Power outages are common during floods, so it's a good idea to invest in a generator to provide power during a blackout. This is especially important if you have equipment that cannot be turned off, such as medical equipment or farm machinery. Additionally, if your home has a basement, it's important to ensure that the sump pump has the power so that it can prevent flooding. Solar generators are a good option to keep your sump pump running during flood events, especially a generator that has a fast charging feature like the Anker 757 solar generator. Not only charge faster, but it also has a 1229Wh capacity and 1500 wattage to power up your essential electric devices.

Waterproof Your Basement

If your home has a basement, it's a good idea to consider waterproofing it. This not only helps to protect your personal belongings but also the structure of your home. It's important to note that federal flood insurance does not cover possessions stored in the basement or any basement renovation such as carpeting. To avoid water infiltration, make sure that your home has proper drainage through gutters.

Prepare an Evacuation Plan & Essential Items

Creating an effective emergency evacuation plan and storing essential items for flooding is essential to guarantee the safety of your home, family, and belongings. It should include identifying the most likely areas that could be affected by water levels rising, having emergency supplies at hand such as a first aid kit and flashlights, having multiple routes of egress in case one is blocked by flooding, and contacting relevant emergency services ahead of time. Additionally, it's important to have contact information on hand for family members or neighbors so you can inform them if needed. If possible, it's also advisable to find out where local shelters are located in case conditions worsen.

How to Survive the Flood?

During flooding, you should also remember some things so as to survive the flood:

Avoid Floodwater

After a flood, even when the rain has stopped, there may be standing water around which should be avoided as it may contain contaminants such as raw sewage, oil, or gasoline.

Stay Up to Date with the Weather Forecast

Even when it appears that the flood has passed, there may still be a risk of further flooding, especially flash floods. It's important to stay informed by monitoring the weather forecast and following the local authorities' advice. They will provide information on when it is safe to return home and if they need volunteers to assist in cleanup efforts. However, only show up for the cleanup if you are asked by authorities; otherwise, you could block the real disaster relief experts from people that need help.

Keep Out of Damaged Area

After the flood has passed, it may be tempting to immediately check the damage in your home or neighborhood. However, it's important to be cautious and avoid areas that have been damaged as they may be unstable or pose other hazards.

Prepare to Evacuate If Necessary

If you’re instructed to move, you should take action immediately. Pack up your bag, secure the house, and double-check that you have safe evacuation routes. Pay close attention to Mother Nature while in transit—avoid moving water at all costs as this is a major electrocution risk. In case of rising waters surrounding your car, flee quickly for higher ground and look out for areas with still water so you can cross without being knocked down by the current.

Conclusion

Now you know how to prepare for a flood. There are things that you can prepare before a flood, such as essentials, insurance, generators, and waterproofing your basement. During the flood, you will have to avoid flood water and keep up to date with the weather forecast and local authorities' instructions. After the flood has passed, you must be cautious when entering a damaged area because it may be dangerous, and you should avoid it if possible. With this survival guide, you'll be able to prepare for floods before they hit and survive them safely and comfortably.

FAQ about How to Prepare for a Flood

What Should You Do During a Flood?

First, you should avoid floodwater because it may contain raw sewage, oil, or gasoline that is dangerous for your health.

Besides, you should also pay attention to the weather forecast and follow your local authorities' instructions until the flood passes.

What Is the Best Place to Be During a Flood?

If you are in a flood-prone area or a low-lying area, get to higher ground immediately.

If you are inside your house, go to the second or higher floor, and don't go into a basement, or any room, because your devices, electrical outlets, or cords may be submerged, and the water may have electricity in it.

What Should We Not Do Before a Flood?

First, do not go near a river, lake, or stream during heavy rains. Stay away from water sources and evacuate if necessary.

second, do not drive through flooded areas as the depth of water may be unknown, and your car may get stuck in the middle of the flood.

Third, don't forget to turn off utilities at the main power switch and unplug all electrical devices before leaving your house.