Floods often strike with little warning. One heavy storm or a sudden snowmelt can turn a dry street into a rushing river in minutes. While you cannot control the weather, you can certainly control how you respond to it. Taking steps now to prepare for a flood helps keep your family safe and minimizes the damage to your property.
Create a Family Communication Strategy
Chaos often follows a disaster. Your family might not be together when the water starts rising, so you need a solid plan. Decide on a safe meeting place on high ground where everyone knows to go. Designate an out-of-town contact person. Sometimes local phone lines get jammed, but long-distance calls still go through. Everyone should check in with that contact to say they are safe. Make sure every family member memorizes this number or keeps a written copy in their wallet or backpack.
Fortify Your Home Against Water
Your house needs defenses. Clear out gutters and downspouts frequently so water flows away from your foundation rather than pooling around it. If you have a basement, install a sump pump and test it regularly. Since storms often knock out power, get a battery backup for that pump.
Consider the layout of your home. Move valuable items and essential appliances like the furnace, water heater, and electric panel to higher floors if possible. If you cannot move them, construct barriers. Keep a stack of sandbags or flood skirts ready to block entryways. Sealing cracks in your foundation walls with waterproofing compounds also stops seepage before it starts.
Build a Waterproof Emergency Kit
You might need to survive on your own for several days. Pack a “go-bag” for each family member and keep a larger supply kit in a safe, accessible spot. Make sure you store these items in watertight containers:
- Water and food: Pack one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, along with non-perishable food like canned goods and energy bars.
- First aid and meds: Include a standard first aid kit and a week’s supply of any prescription medications.
- Light and power: Flashlights, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and plenty of extra batteries are essential.
- Personal documents: Keep copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records in a waterproof pouch.
- Pet supplies: Don’t forget food, water, and a carrier for your furry friends.
Check Your Insurance Coverage
Many homeowners assume their standard insurance policy covers flood damage. It usually does not. You typically need a separate flood insurance policy to protect your home and belongings. Check with your agent immediately. These policies often have a 30-day waiting period before they go into effect, so do not wait until the rain starts falling to sign up.
Plan for the Aftermath
Thinking about the recovery phase now saves time later. You will need heavy-duty tools to clear out mud and debris. Some apartment complexes or community centers maintain disaster cleanup lockers specifically for this purpose, stocking them with shovels, protective suits, and industrial brooms. Check if your neighborhood offers this resource. If not, consider buying a few heavy-duty trash bags, rubber gloves, and boots to keep in your garage.
Ready for Anything
Flood preparation removes the panic from the equation. You can handle a crisis much better when you have a plan in place and supplies on hand. Start checking items off your list today so you stay ready for whatever the weather brings.
