Flood Preparedness Tips

Flood Preparedness Tips

Flood Insurance

Realizing that tax dollars could be saved and disasters avoided through adequate planning, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was established. The NFIP offers flood insurance to residents in communities like ours, which adopt appropriate standards and land use controls. The NFIP requires new construction and reconstruction in flood prone areas to elevate above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) to reduce the risk of flooding in the building itself. The NFIP also requires structures damaged more than 50% of the value, to be rebuilt to current standards including elevating the structure. Make sure your insurance policy will cover the replacement costs of your home and belongings and any additional costs to rebuild.

Pasco County participates in the Community Rating System (CRS) which enhances the flood plain management program with public education (like this guide). The CRS provides residents with 10-20% reductions in flood insurance premiums.

Flood Preparedness Tips

o KNOW YOUR RISK! - Contact your insurance agent to determine if you live or work in the 100-year flood plain. If you do, purchase flood insurance! Also check your homeowner’s policy to ensure you and your belongings are protected.
o Check your disaster supplies kit to be sure you have drinking water, food, first-aid kit, a flashlight and extra batteries.
o Get a NOAA Weather Alert Radio for 24-hour severe weather information and flood updates.
o If you live in a frequently flooded area, stockpile emergency building materials such as plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber nails, hammer, saw, pry bar, shovels and sandbags.
o Check your home to see that doors and windows are secure, roof leaks are repaired, rain gutters are clear, and water drains properly from your roof.
o Make sure that drains and inlets in your yard are clear of debris and that water runs away from your home.
o Elevate the electrical box, water heater and air conditioner to at least 12 inches above the base flood elevation.
o Anchor fuel tanks to prevent overturning and floating.
o Consider floodproofing your home. Types of floodproofing include home elevation, relocation, and construction of flood walls, dry floodproofing and wet floodproofing. Dry floodproofing is recommended in most instances, as other methods can be too costly or unobtainable. Dry floodproofing involves the sealing of possible entrances water may take to get into a home. You should cover such openings as doors, windows, sewer lines and vents with removable shields.
o Purchase flood insurance even if you are not required to do so. More than 90% of disasters are not presidentially declared. In the majority of floods, victims are on their own – unless they have flood insurance. Even for floods that are declared major disasters, the aid available is limited. Most assistance is in the form of low interest loans.

During a Flood Watch or Warning

Floods can take several hours or even days to develop. A flood watch means a flood is possible in your area. A flood warning means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.

o Listen to NOAA Weather Radio and local media for the latest storm information and flood updates.
o Bring outdoor belongings, such as patio furniture, indoors.
o Move valuable household possessions to a safer location or elevate in the house, if time permits. Move valuable objects higher. Place them on shelves, tables and counter tops.
o Store drinking water in sterile, covered containers.
o Fuel your vehicle and check oil and water.
o If advised to evacuate, tell others where you are going, turn off utilities and leave immediately. Evacuation is much simpler and safer before floodwaters become too deep for ordinary vehicles to drive through. Leave early enough to avoid being stranded by flooded roads.
o Avoid putting rescue workers at risk - obey evacuation orders.

Flood Safety Tips

o Don’t walk through flowing water. Do not drive through a flooded area. Flood water levels can be much deeper than they appear. The depth of water may be difficult to assess. Only two feet of water can cause a car to be swept away, and as little as six inches can cause unstable footing.
o Stay away from power lines and electrical wiring.
o Electricity and water don’t mix! Turn off the power before floodwaters enter your home.

After the Flood

o Stay tuned to local media and NOAA Weather radio to determine when it is safe to return.
o If your home was flooded, turn off the electricity, and get an electrical inspection before restoring power.
o Watch your step! Ground and floors may be slippery and covered with debris.
o Be alert for gas leaks. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Do not use an open flame until area has been aired out.
o Disinfect everything - assume that anything touched by floodwaters is contaminated.
o Drink only bottled or previously stored water until you disinfect your well or if advised of public utility system contamination.
o Wash hands frequently. Throw out food that comes in contact with flood waters. Do not eat food that has come into contact with flood water. Use your non-perishable food.
o Take care of yourself. Recovering from a flood is a big job. Watch out for symptoms of anxiety, stress, and fatigue. Do not be afraid to get professional help. Crisis counseling programs are available through the American Red Cross and other agencies.
o Document your damages with photos or videotape. Separate damaged and undamaged belongings. Find receipts or cancelled checks for high cost items. Keep receipts for disaster related expenses.
o Call your flood insurance agent to file a claim and report your damages as soon as possible.