Before a Flood

Even if you’ve never experienced a flood, you ought to know what to do if flood waters threaten you, your family, and your community. The following tips from the National Flood Insurance Program are given as suggested guidelines. If you find yourself in a flood situation and do not know what to do, check with your local emergency managers.

Steps To Take Today

• Make an itemized list of personal property, including furnishings, clothing, and valuables. Photographs of your home – inside and out – are helpful. These will assist your insurance adjuster in settling claims and will help prove uninsured losses, which are tax deductible.
  
  
• LEARN THE SAFEST ROUTE FROM YOUR HOME or place of business to high, safe ground if you should have to evacuate in a hurry.
  
  
• KEEP A PORTABLE RADIO, emergency cooking equipment, food supply, and flashlights in working order, and keep extra batteries on hand.
  
  
• BUY FLOOD INSURANCE. You should contact your property/casualty agent or company about flood insurance, which is offered through the National Flood Insurance Program. Effective March 1, 1995 , there is a 30-day waiting period (with two exceptions) for this policy to become effective, so don’t wait until a flood is coming to apply.
  
  
• KEEP YOUR INSURANCE POLICIES and a list of personal property in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box. Know the name, phone number, and location of the agent(s) who issued your policy.
  
  
• PERSONS WHO LIVE IN FREQUENTLY FLOODED AREAS should keep on hand materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber which can be used to protect property. (Remember, sandbags should not be stacked directly against the outer walls of a building, since, when wet, the bags may create added pressure on the foundation.)

If You Are A Parent:

• Know your local emergency phone numbers.
  
  
• Know the emergency plans for your children’s school.
  
  
• Prepare an evacuation plan for your family.
  
  
• Know ahead of time where emergency evacuation centers will be located.
  
  
• Keep a supply of sand bags handy. By filling them with either sand or soil, you can direct moving water away from your property.
  
  
• Make sure your children know their school’s and family’s emergency plans.