Protecting your family and home from a flood

Flood damage can be mitigated if you and your family take precautionary measures. Here are some steps you can take before, during, and after a flood.

Before a flood

Know the terms. Know the difference between a Flood Watch, meaning flooding is possible, and a Flood Warning, which means flooding is occurring or will occur soon. This will help you take necessary steps.
Maintain an emergency supply kit that will sustain you and your family for a 72-hour period. This kit should include flashlights, a portable radio, extra batteries, non perishable food, bottled water, cash, blankets, clothing and toiletries.
Keep all important papers such as legal papers, birth certificates, marriage license, financial papers, and insurance policy information in a safety deposit box, or fireproof and waterproof box on an upper floor inside the home.
Have an evacuation plan. Flash flooding can occur quickly. Know where you and your family will go. If you have pets, plan for their evacuation as well.
Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel if susceptible to flooding.
Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.

If the threat of flood exists, move to higher ground.
Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

Before entering a flooded area or home, ensure electricity to your home is not "live."
After a storm or flood, hire a licensed electrician to inspect appliances and equipment before powering them back up.
Avoid tap water until you learn that your community's water supply is safe to drink.
Avoid floodwaters as water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
Avoid driving through water on the roads.
Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
Be mindful of fallen trees and debris, which can conceal downed power lines or poles .Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
Use extreme caution when entering buildings. There may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage.

This information is advisory in nature. No liability is assumed by reason of the information in this document.