BEFORE
A FLOOD...
Even if you’ve never experienced a flood, you ought to
know what to do if flood waters threaten you, your family, and
your community. The following tips from the National Flood
Insurance Program are given as suggested guidelines. If you find
yourself in a flood situation and do not know what to do, check
with your local emergency managers.
Steps To Take Today
Make an itemized list of personal property, including
furnishings, clothing, and valuables. Photographs of your home
– inside and out – are helpful. These will assist your
insurance adjuster in settling claims and will help prove
uninsured losses, which are tax deductible.
- LEARN THE SAFEST ROUTE FROM YOUR HOME or place of
business to high, safe ground if you should have to
evacuate in a hurry.
- KEEP A PORTABLE RADIO, emergency cooking
equipment, food supply, and flashlights in working order,
and keep extra batteries on hand.
- BUY FLOOD INSURANCE. You should contact your
property/casualty agent or company about flood insurance,
which is offered through the National Flood Insurance
Program. Effective March 1, 1995, there is a 30-day
waiting period (with two exceptions) for this policy to
become effective, so don’t wait until a flood is
coming to apply.
- KEEP YOUR INSURANCE POLICIES and a list of
personal property in a safe place, such as a safe deposit
box. Know the name, phone number, an location of the
agent(s) who issued your policy.
- PERSONS WHO LIVE IN FREQUENTLY FLOODED AREAS
should keep on hand materials such as sandbags, plywood,
plastic sheeting, and lumber which can be used to protect
property. (Remember, sandbags should not be stacked
directly against the outer walls of a building, since,
when wet, the bags may create added pressure on the
foundation.)
Ø Know your
local emergency phone numbers.
Ø Know the
emergency plans for your children’s school.
Ø Prepare an
evacuation plan for your family.
Ø Know ahead
of time where emergency evacuation centers will be located.
Ø Keep a
supply of sand bags handy. By filling them with either sand
or soil, you can direct moving water away from your property.
Ø Make sure
your children know their school’s and family’s
emergency plans.
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