-
-
Every year flood prone areas across the globe are struck by dangerous, rising waters that destroy homes and take lives. Being prepared in case flood waters threaten your home or family is the best defense you can take should this weather related disaster strike near you. This guide will help prepare you by offering tips on how to survive a flood.
-
-
Introduction
- Do you live in a place that is subject to extensive amounts of rainfall each year? Is your home located in a low lying area where too much rain results in immediate flooding? Flooding is a serious problem across the globe, one that can be both destructive and deadly. There are, however, steps you can take to prepare yourself in case of a flood. This guide will provide you with information on how to survive a flood.
Step 1: Get Informed
- If you live in a low lying area or on a flood plane, you are at risk for flooding. Although floods can affect anyone, it is these areas that are the first to be hit. Therefore, it is important that you take heed when watches and warnings are issued in your area. You can get this information by staying tuned to local weather reports, as well as checking in with your local Red Cross or the National Weather Service.
- You should also be aware of what causes flooding so you can recognize the signs:
- Steady rainfall that lasts for an extensive period of time
- Heavy rainfall. Although the duration may only be several hours, it could bring as much water as a steady rainfall lasting an entire day
- Weather disasters such as a tsunami, tropical storm or hurricane. Often it is the flood waters from these storms that cause the most damage.
Step 2: Plan Ahead
- Although some floods provide you with ample time to avert disaster, flash flooding can occur with very little warning. This makes it imperative to plan for flood related issues beforehand. When you move to a new location that is at risk, especially one that has a climate known for heavy rains and thunderstorms, you should take several steps to ensure you are ready should disaster strike. You should:
- Make sure you have flood insurance. Check with your insurance company, as most homeowner's insurance does not cover damage caused by floods.
- Prepare a disaster survival kit
- Devise an emergency plan with your family. Make sure you discuss a meeting place should you become separated, as well as an evacuation route out of your home should flood waters begin rising.
- If you have a pet, have a plan set in place to get the pet to safety as well. You should also have a kennel on hand for these purposes.
- There are also steps you can take when a flood is imminent:
- Move all your furniture and valuable items to the highest area of your home, whether the second floor or an attic. You may also want to store some items off the floor by moving them to beds or dressers.
- Fill sinks and bathtubs with fresh water in case contamination to the water supply occurs during flooding
- Move outdoor belongings inside
- Make sure you have a full tank of gas
- Be prepared in case you need to evacuate
Step 3: Know Your Flood Safety Tips
- You should also be aware of some general flood related safety tips:
- Seek higher ground when flooding occurs, whether you are outdoors or in your home. Some people are forced to seek shelter on their roof if they do not evacuate in time.
- Stay away from flood prone areas such as canyons, washes, dips and other low areas that may have the propensity to fill with water
- Avoid swift moving waters while driving or on foot. Even creeks near your home that are normally safe and shallow can become dangerous during a flood.
- If you are in a vehicle that gets stalled, do not try to get it moving again. If you can safely abandon the vehicle, do so, and do it quickly.
About this page
-
Page Views0
This page currently has no vertical manager.
Featured Pages
