People often underestimate floods, but not you! Prepare now to ensure you’re ready if you need to evacuate. Additionally, you’ll want to take specific steps to protect your home. 

The checklist below gives you an overview of what to do to prepare for the possibility of a flood. For more details, read our guide to preparing for floods.

Why Prepare for Floods?

Preparing for a flood is crucial for several important reasons, as floods can have devastating consequences for communities, property, and personal well-being. Additionally, a flash flood could happen at any time. Here’s some key reasons why flood preparedness is important:

• Safety: Floods can be extremely dangerous and life-threatening. Preparedness measures, such as having an evacuation plan, can significantly reduce the risk of injury or loss of life during a flood.
• Property Protection: Flooding can cause extensive damage to homes, buildings, and personal belongings. Preparedness actions, such as elevating structures and securing valuables, can help mitigate potential damage and financial losses.
• Resource Availability: Following a flood, access to essential resources like food, clean water, and medical supplies may be limited. Preparedness ensures you have a sufficient supply to meet your immediate needs.
• Emergency Response: During a major flood event, emergency response services may be overwhelmed. Being prepared means you can be self-reliant for a period, not straining already stretched emergency resources.
• Community Resilience: When individuals and communities are prepared for floods, it reduces the burden on emergency services and ensures a more coordinated response to the disaster.
• Environmental Protection: Proper flood preparedness includes understanding how flooding may impact the environment, including potential harm to ecosystems. Preparedness measures can help minimize the environmental impact of floods.
• Mental and Emotional Well-being: Knowing that you are prepared for a flood can provide peace of mind during a potentially stressful and traumatic time. You’ll have confidence in your ability to protect yourself and your loved ones.
• Business Continuity: If you are a business owner, flood preparedness is critical for ensuring business continuity. This includes safeguarding assets, data, and the safety of employees.
• Health and Sanitation: After a flood, there may be disruptions to basic services like clean water and sanitation. Preparedness measures ensure you have access to clean water, hygiene supplies, and medical necessities.

Preparing for a flood is a responsible and necessary action for individuals and communities living in flood-prone areas. It reduces the risks associated with floods, increases personal and community resilience, and provides peace of mind. Flood preparedness is a proactive step to protect your life, property, and the well-being of those around you. It also contributes to overall community safety and environmental conservation.