Before A Flood
Educate Yourself
Only flood insurance covers flood damage. After getting flood insurance, there are several things you can do to minimize losses in your home and ensure your family’s safety.
- Safeguard your possessions.
- A copy of your insurance policies with your agents contact information.
- A household inventory: for insurance purposes.
- Copies of all other critical documents, including finance records or receipts of major purchases.
- Prepare your home.
- Make sure your sump pump is working.
- In case of a power failure, install a battery-operated backup.
- Install a water alarm, this will alert you if water is accumulating in your basement.
- Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.
- Anchor fuel tanks.
- Raise your electrical components - at least 12 inches above your home’s projected flood elevation.
- Place the furnace, water heater, washer and dryer on cement blocks - at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.
- Move furniture, valuables, and important documents to a safe place.
- Make sure your sump pump is working.
- Develop a family plan.
- Create a safety kit.
- Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone and teach your children how to dial 911.
- Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family.
- Know safe routes from home, work, and school that are on higher ground.
- Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be your emergency family contact.
- Have a plan to protect your pets.