Protecting your family and home from a flood

Flood damage can be mitigated if you and your family take precautionary measures. Here are some steps you can take before, during, and after a flood.

• Know the terms. Know the difference between a Flood Watch, meaning flooding is possible, and a Flood Warning, which means flooding is occurring or will occur soon. This will help you take necessary steps.
• Maintain an emergency supply kit that will sustain you and your family for a 72-hour period. This kit should include flashlights, a portable radio, extra batteries, non perishable food, bottled water, cash, blankets, clothing and toiletries.
• Keep all important papers such as legal papers, birth certificates, marriage license, financial papers, and insurance policy information in a safety deposit box, or fireproof and waterproof box on an upper floor inside the home.
• Have an evacuation plan. Flash flooding can occur quickly. Know where you and your family will go. If you have pets, plan for their evacuation as well.
• Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel if susceptible to flooding.
• Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.

• If the threat of flood exists, move to higher ground.
• Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

• Before entering a flooded area or home, ensure electricity to your home is not "live."
• After a storm or flood, hire a licensed electrician to inspect appliances and equipment before powering them back up. 
• Avoid tap water until you learn that your community's water supply is safe to drink.
• Avoid floodwaters as water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
• Avoid driving through water on the roads.
• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
• Be mindful of fallen trees and debris, which can conceal downed power lines or poles .Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
• Use extreme caution when entering buildings. There may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
• Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage.