Floods can occur at anytime and anywhere, making them the most common natural disaster in the United States. Due to Florida’s increasing risk of experiencing floods, the safety of your family and the protection of your home should be a top priority in the event of a flood. Therefore, it is essential you and your family have a flood preparedness plan in place. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when planning:
Create a Flood Evacuation Plan
You and your family should have evacuation plans in place for all types of emergencies, including floods. Plan how every member of the family will leave, and where you will go should you need to evacuate. Flooded areas pose increased dangers and it is important your plans include multiple ways to evacuate. Should you have pets, make sure they are included in your emergency plans as well. As with all emergencies, be sure to review your plans frequently with your family members to be sure everyone is prepared.
Stay Informed
The National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also issue flood alerts and warnings when weather conditions are more likely to produce floods in your area. Those alerts will advise of flood watches or warnings, and it is important you understand the difference. According to weather.gov, a flood watch will be issued when conditions signal a possibility for flooding. A Flood warning will be issued when a flood is quickly approaching or is occurring. Remember, flash floods can occur with little to no warning whatsoever, so it is always imperative to be prepared.
Protect Your Property and Possessions
Taking steps to protect your property and secure your possessions before a flood event, can significantly reduce the risk of damage and repair expenses afterward. Consider hiring a licensed electrician to make certain electric sockets, switches, wiring, and circuit breakers are at least one foot above expected flood levels in your area. Anchor, or elevate outdoor equipment, such as air-conditioning units and generators. Should a flood event be imminent, move your furniture, rugs, electronics, and other valuable belongings to upper floors, or elevate as much of your belongings as possible to avoid flood damage. You should always keep important documents and valuables in a sealed waterproof container.
Purchase Flood Insurance
One of the best ways to prepare for a flood is to be protected. With floods being one of the most costly and common natural disasters in the country, you should, secure flood insurance as soon as possible. Flood Insurance provides financial protection for the cost of repairs due to flood damage and is available through the NFIP and private carriers like Florida Peninsula. We offer a certified flood endorsement to qualifying policyholders, which eliminates the need for a standalone flood insurance policy. To learn more about obtaining Flood coverage from Florida Peninsula, click here.
What to Do After a Flood
Floodwaters pose extreme dangers and can even be fatal. Floodwaters can contain hazardous materials, wild animals, and other dangerous debris. You should never drive or walk-through flooded areas. In fact, just as little as six inches of water can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle. If you evacuated from your home, only return home when authorities advise it is safe to do so. Once at home, be sure to take pictures of damages to present to your insurance company.
Florida Peninsula’s number one priority is the safety of you and your family, as such we hope you found these flood preparation tips informative. To learn more about Florida Peninsula, or to receive a flood insurance quote, contact your agent, or give us a call at 877-229-2244.
