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Floods
claim an average of 263 lives every year in the United States.
The
Myth - Flooding
only occurs near rivers, streams, and other waterways.
The
Fact - Any
low lying area has the potential to flood. Inundation flooding
may occur when the amount of rainfall and runoff exceeds
a storm water system's [ditch or sewer] capability to remove
it.
Steps To Take Today:
- Find out if
you live in a flood prone area.
- Identify any
dams or levees in your area.
- Purchase flood
insurance for your home if you are in a flood plain, and
consider purchasing it even if you're not. Flood
damage and loss is not covered under a homeowner's policy.
There may be as much as a 30 day waiting period before
the policy comes into
effect, so don't wait until the last minute to apply.
- Make an itemized
list of all of your personal property, including furnishings,
clothing, and valuables. Take pictures or videos of your home,
inside and out, as well as its contents, especially high value
items. The pictures will help in settling insurance claims
and in documenting uninsured losses, which are tax deductible.
Keep your insurance policies, pictures or video tapes. and
lists of your personal property in a safe place.
- Put together
a 72 hour disaster
supply kit. Contact your emergency management office for
a list of suggested supplies.
- Take steps
to reduce the risk of flood damage to your home If you live
in an area that floods frequently, store materials such as
sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber to use to protect
your property. Contact your local building department
or emergency management office for more information on how
to protect your home.
- Plan how you
would evacuate from your home when there is a threat of flooding.
What you would take with you, what is the safest route, and
where would you go?
:: top of the page ::
Flood Safety
- During heavy
or prolonged rains, listen to the TV or radio [or weather
radio] for watches and warnings issued by the National Weather
Service.
Keep a battery-operated radio on hand and tuned to a local
station in case the power goes out.
- If you see
any possibility of a flash flood occurring, move immediately to
high ground. Don't wait for instructions to evacuate.
- Don't walk
through flood waters. One foot of flood waters can knock you
off your feet, and the water is often contaminated by sewage
and flood-related chemical spills.
- Never go
around safety barricades set up in the road. Two feet
of water is enough to float a car, and the flood waters can
conceal places where roadways and bridges have been washed
out.
Weather Terminology
Flood Watch or Flood Forecast - Rainfall
is heavy enough to cause rivers to overflow their banks.
Flood
Warning - Flooding
is occurring or is likely to occur soon.
Flash
Flood Watch - Heavy
rains are occurring or are expected and may cause sudden
flash flooding in specific areas.
Flash
Flood Warning - Flash
flooding is occurring or is imminent at designated areas.
N.O.A.A.
Weather Radios - [available
at many stores] are the best means to receive and monitor
warnings from the National Weather Service.
:: top of the
page ::
When
it Floods:
The safety of your family is the most important consideration. Since
flood waters can rise very rapidly, you should be prepared to evacuate
before the water reaches your property.
- Keep a battery-powered
radio tuned to a local station and follow all emergency instructions.
- If directed
to evacuate, and time permits, turn off all utilities [gas,
water, and electricity] at the main switch or valve.
- Move personal
property, especially valuables, to upper floors or higher elevations
or stack them on top of other items.
- Secure all
outdoor equipment, furniture, and other movable objects that
might be swept away.
- Store fresh
water and food.
- Gather the
items you plan on taking with you during an evacuation
[e g, important papers, 72 hour kits]
in one location or load them in your vehicle
:: top of the page ::
After the Flood:
If you have suffered flood damage,
immediately call the agent or broker who services your flood insurance
policy.
- Prior to entering
a building, check for structural damage. If unsafe, do not
enter. Do not use an open flame inside a flood damaged building
until verifying the absence of explosive gases or fumes.
- Authorized
repair personnel should check all utility systems and appliances
before you turn them on.
- Cover broken
windows and holes in the roof or walls to prevent further weather
damage.
- Start cleanup
measures immediately to help reduce health hazards. Throw out
open food and medicines that have come in contact with flood
waters.
- Water for
drinking and food preparation should be boiled vigorously
for ten [10] minutes [until the public water system has been
declared
safe.]
- All damaged
items should be kept for inspection by your insurance adjuster.
Take pictures of the damage done to your property, your home,
and its contents.
- Dry clothing
and household fabrics prior to brushing off dirt/mud, then
rinse in lukewarm water to remove lodged soil. Wash in lukewarm
water, using mild detergent, rinse and dry in sunlight.
- Take damaged
furniture and appliances outdoors to hose off and dry, but
keep them out of the sun to avoid warping. A garage or carport
is a good place for drying damaged property.
- Shovel out
mud while it is still moist to give floors and walls a chance
to dry out.
- Clean metal
items promptly and then wipe them with a kerosene-soaked cloth
to minimize rusting.
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