Preparing for a flood will ensure that your family is safe and that your property sustains minimal damage. If you know that you live in a flood-prone area, review your flood insurance coverage and spend some time on planning and preparing for a flood.
Emergency Plan
A complete and thorough emergency plan is critical for the safety of your family. Your plan should include:
- Emergency phone numbers. Be sure your children know how to make emergency phone calls if you are not home.
- A safety kit that should include water, canned or freeze-dried food, blankets and flashlights with new batteries. Three days per person is the general rule that you should use when stocking the kit.
- Have a route drawn out that you can follow if you need to leave town.
- If you have pets, consider how you will protect them.
Being Prepared
There are a number of things you can do to prepare your property to minimize damage. Use the following list as a guide:
- Important papers should be kept in a watertight container.
- Record an inventory of your valuables and keep in a safe place.
- Construct some flood barriers. These could include beams and flood walls.
- Use water compounds to seal up the basement.
- Listen to the radio, television or other media sources when a flood appears likely.
Aftermath of a Flood
It is important to know what to do once the danger of flooding has passed. There are many things to consider before heading back home:
- Listen to the radio or other forms of media to know when it is safe to return home. Do not return until then.
- Do not go near any floodwater. It could be electrically charged or contain toxic material.
- Once you get home, inspect your property for damage. Check your septic system or any other leeching system. If it is leaking, it could present a health hazard.
- Disinfect your home. Any water that may have entered your property could contain toxic material.
Staying Safe During the Flood
If you happen to get caught in a flood, whether a flash flood or expected flooding, beware of the following:
- If you observe moving water, stay away from it. The moving current could cause you to fall and get swept away.
- If you need to walk through the water to get onto safer ground, use a stick to check the ground you are walking on. Be sure it is solid. Do not walk through moving water.
- If you happen to end up in an area that has rising water and you are in your car, leave the vehicle and move to higher ground.
- If you are wet or are standing in water, DO NOT touch any electrical equipment.
All these tips and guidelines are important to follow when the threat of flooding occurs in your area. As hurricane season draws near, the potential for flooding is especially high. Make sure you are prepared before a flood occurs. If you would like to discuss the coverage you currently have for Louisiana Flood Insurance,call Direct Flood Insurance Agency LLC at 504-812-7811 for more information. Visit our website at any time where you can get a flood insurance quote and buy it easily online.