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Flood

Protecting your family, home, and vehicles from a flood

flood on street

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.

 

Before a flood

  • Park in your garage or carport. Park your car against the garage doors to keep them from buckling inward and potentially blowing them off the tracks. Place a heavy blanket or area rug over the car, and remove hanging objects from the garage.
  • Do not park under trees, power lines, or in low lying areas. If you do not have a garage, move your car to higher ground or park it tight against the house to provide some deflection of wind away from your car. A tight fitting car cover may also provide some protection. Additionally, you may want to consider a storage facility that is not located in a flood area.
  • 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.

 

During a flood

  • Use caution, and avoid driving on flooded roads. It is often difficult to accurately judge the water level and you could put yourself and your passengers in danger, or damage your vehicle. 
  • 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.

 

After a flood

  • If you must drive, proceed with caution and avoid any flooded roadways.
  • 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.

 

FEMA website


This information is advisory in nature. No liability is assumed by reason of the information in this document.

 

This document is advisory in nature and is offered as a resource to be used together with your professional insurance advisors in maintaining a loss prevention program. It is an overview only and is not intended as a substitute for consultation with your insurance broker, or for legal, engineering or other professional advice.

Chubb is the marketing name used to refer to subsidiaries of Chubb Limited providing insurance and related services. For a list of these subsidiaries, please visit our website at chubb.com. Insurance provided by ACE American Insurance Company and its U.S. based Chubb underwriting company affiliates. All products may not be available in all states. This communication contains product summaries only. Coverage is subject to the language of the policies as actually issued. Surplus lines insurance sold only through licensed surplus lines producers. Chubb, 202 Hall's Mill Road, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889-1600.

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