In highly flood-prone areas, keep materials on hand like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, plastic garbage bags, lumber, shovels, work boots and gloves. Keep an adequate supply of drinking water, non perishable food and a first aid kit.
Beware of Rising/Swift moving water
Bayous and creeks can rise to dangerous levels in as little as one hour. Man-made features such as stormdrains, fences, and culverts create additional hazards that can snag and drown even the strongest swimmer.
Do not drive through a flooded area: More people drown in their cars during a flood, than anywhere else. Nearly half of all flood fatalities are vehicle-related. Do not drive around road barriers as the road or bridge may be washed out.
Plan for evacuation: Be mindful that normal routes may be inaccessible due to flooding. Know where you are going and how to get there. Keep your car filled with gas and in good operating condition.
Flood Insurance: If you live in a flood prone area, consider purchasing flood insurance. Keep all insurance policies and a list of valuable items in a safe place. Make an itemized list of personal property that includes furnishings, clothing, and valuables. Photographs of your home (inside and out) will assist your insurance adjuster in settling claims and will help prove uninsured losses. Put the list and photos in your safe deposit box at the bank
Trivia:
Flooding can occur anywhere at anytime: Flooding causes an average of 5 billion dollars a year in damages in the United States. Unlike other natural disasters, flooding can occur in any of the 50 states or U.S. territories at anytime of the year
SUV’s are not necessarily safe: Even though the weight of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) may appear to offer a greater protection in crossing flooded roads, their size and larger tires can make them more buoyant and more prone to being swept away. Bottom Line: It is just as dangerous to drive an SUV through flooded waters as a regular vehicle
Do not walk through moving water Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you and the depth of the water.
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