Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Information
Be Prepared to Protect Against Flood Waters
Flood waters can rise over a period of days or flash floods can strike in a matter of minutes. Planning ahead can help protect your family and your belongings.
Know the flood warning signals used in your area and teach them to your family. Make sure your family also knows what to do in case of flooding.
If your area is subject to frequent flooding, have your family practice flood drills. Assign each family member a specific task, such as gathering emergency supplies, checking appliances or listening for further instructions. Know where to go for safety; you want to get to higher ground as soon as possible.
Your family should have an emergency communication plan in case flooding should strike while family members are at school or work. Designate a safe place for all members to try to reach. Also select a contact person who does not live in the area, and make sure all family members know how to reach the contact. During a disaster, when phone lines may be down or jammed, a contact person may have an easier time contacting other people for you.
In addition to preparing your family, you will want to take steps to protect your home. Make sure you know where your property lies in relation to sea level or expected flood levels.
Installing check valves in sewer traps will prevent water from backing up in drains. Elevate appliances with bricks or boards to protect them from rising water. You may also want to protect valuable furniture by elevating it or moving it to the highest level of the house.
If you live in an area with poor surface drainage, your property may be subject to surface flooding. Building a sandbag dike can help prevent shallow flooding.
When building a dike, do not put it directly against the walls of a building; leave about eight feet for passage between the building and the dike.
You will want to fill sandbags half full of clay, silt or sand, but do not tie them. Stack them in alternating directions with the unfilled portion under the next bag. Spread plastic sheets over the dike and secure them with a row of sandbags to seal it. The dike needs to be three times as wide as it is high.
In the event of a flood, you should review your homeowners insurance policy. Many plans cover all natural disasters except floods. Make sure your plan covers flooding and find out to what extent your property is covered. It is also a good idea to know if your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program.