How to Prepare for a Flood
Flood Preparedness
Humans tend to underestimate floods, but you’re no average human! You’re ready to get smart about a major watery threat. Being prepared can lower your family’s risk of injury, death, or loss of property in the event that the water starts to rise.
Flood Facts
Floods have many causes; they happen whenever there’s too much water for the system (natural or manmade) to handle, and it’s unable to drain away.
Nearly 1.5 billion people worldwide live in areas at risk for intense flooding and flood-related complications.
A mere six inches of floodwater can move with enough force to knock down a grown adult, and twelve inches is enough to lift up and carry away a vehicle.
Flood water is disgusting at best, and deadly at worst. If you enter a flooded area and don’t encounter a hidden hazard like a hole, you might develop a skin infection from its contaminants.
How to Prepare for a Flood
- Create a flood preparedness kit or purchase a prepackaged kit. Either way, make sure to maintain it.
- Get flood insurance! Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flooding.
- Keep your gutters clear and watch out for drainage problems whenever it rains. Clear, free-flowing drains can reduce your chances of damage during a flood.
- Know the best evacuation routes. These should be on high ground and avoid bridges, if possible.
- Find out if your county provides free sand and sandbags during flood emergencies.
- Leave immediately if told to evacuate, and stay put if told to shelter in place. Floods can rise very quickly, so heed the experts’ advice wherever you can.
- Hold regular drills involving the whole family (and your pets) to review flood safety whether you’re evacuating or sheltering at home.
Check the Flood Map
- Every person in the US has some level of flood risk. The question is whether yours is high or low.
- The FEMA Flood Map should show your risk level. If it doesn’t, search for your county’s flood maps, which should be published online.
What about Flash Floods?
- If you live in the mountains, in a city with lots of pavement, or near a large storm drain, you might see flash floods near your home more often than others.
- Locations with very high soil moisture (i.e. the Midwest) and very low soil moisture (i.e. deserts) also see more flash floods.
Don’t Enter Floodwaters
Turn around; don’t drown. Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary and never drive past a posted barrier during a flood.
Don’t Waste Time
If you are sheltering in place, take the time to prepare your home and move furniture to upper floors. If ordered to evacuate, leave ASAP to prioritize survival.
Don’t Forget your Go Bag
If you have to evacuate to escape a flood, you’ll want to leave immediately. Make sure your bag is packed and ready.