Flood Preperation
Are you ready?
- Make an emergency plan and assemble an emergency kit.
- Buy flood insurance now; it takes 30 days for a policy to take effect. Review your current policy; a standard insurance policy will not cover flood damage. Contact your insurance agent.
- Purchase an inexpensive AM radio or NOAA weather radio with batteries in case of power outages for urgent news day and night.
- Monitor area news media for information if severe weather is predicted.
- Listen for alerts about evacuation routes or find the latest evacuation route information.
- Monitor local road conditions and obey closure signs.
- Take medications and supplies with you, for those with medical needs.
- Be ready to relocate animals and livestock out of harm's way.
- Know where to go for current flood data: Weather Alert System, Local News.
Minimize flood damage:
- Store valuables and electronics higher on the ground floor, on the second story or in your attic.
- Keep hazardous chemicals out of floodwaters - businesses and residents.
- Ensure underground storage tanks are sealed and secure.
- Learn how to use sandbags and locate where you can buy or get them ahead of time if needed for flood fighting.
- Move vehicles and equipment to high ground before flood waters rise.
- Keep storm drains free of leaves and other debris.
- Know who to call and how to protect yourself if flooding leads to sewer overflows into homes and businesses.