You see the video footage on the news and wonder. You hear the heart-wrenching stories from victims. However the statistics behind the ravages of a flood are sobering, bringing its destruction into clear view.
According to the National Flood Insurance Program, the average dollar loss due to floods is more than $2.4 billion each year. In fact, your home has a 26% chance of being damaged by a flood during the course of a 30-year mortgage, and the most telling statistic: 30% of all flood insurance claims come from areas designated as minimal flood risks.
“Many people view flooding as a problem generated by heavy rain and swollen rivers and creeks,” says Jimmy Maass, safety coordinator at Farm Bureau Insurance. “While that’s true, other natural phenomena such as hurricanes are as much to blame as they are often the first step. The encouraging news is that many of these problems are predictable beforehand, thanks to advanced weather forecasting. Now, people can prepare in advance of the storm.”
Maass notes that preparation begins now, well in advance of the inclement weather. In many cases, this preparation is part of a quality routine maintenance plan for your home:
- Clear debris from gutters and downspouts to allow for the free flow of water during heavy rain.
- Check to make sure outside equipment, such as a gas grill or patio furniture, is properly anchored.
- Have a licensed electrician move switches, sockets, and circuit breakers at least 12 inches above your home's projected flood elevation. Many times flood waters invade your home only a few inches high and often there are unexpected leaks in a non-flood situation. By moving critical items to a greater height you can protect yourself against catastrophic loss.
- Put together a disaster supply kit with food, water, blankets, and a flashlight. Store extra batteries.
- Safeguard all important documents and records. Likewise, ensure possessions of personal value, such as photos and videos, are also properly stored. If major flooding is predicted consider moving them out of the house altogether.
- Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone.
- Plan a flood evacuation route with your family, and importantly practice it. Make sure everyone knows a “meet up” location in case you are separated.
Once prepared, says Maass, there are still a number of tips to keep you and your family safe once flooding has begun. “It goes beyond the obvious things such as not venturing out into flood waters or trying to drive your car or truck through them,” says Maass. He adds:
- Fill bathtubs and sinks with clean water.
- Have a radio on hand to stay abreast of developing information.
- Evacuate your home if instructed by safety personnel.
- Stay out of floodwaters. They may not only be contaminated, but also the current may be carrying dangerous items that can harm you.
- Remember that pets are also animals, and therefore can act unpredictably during a chaotic situation like a flood. Don’t approach them.
- Once danger has passed, check your house for structural damage. Make a list and take photos if possible of damaged property.
- Remove wet items as soon as possible. Soaked carpets and furniture can carry harmful mold and other bacteria. Throw away anything that has come into contact with the floodwaters.
- Don’t drink water until it has been pronounced safe.
“Knowledge is an important facet in staying safe with an impending flood,” says Maass. “People should remember that a flood watch means that conditions are favorable for a flood to occur, and a flood warning means a flood is occurring or is about to occur.”